Train trouble

By DANIELLE GALVIN
AN 85-year-old was among the victims of a savage Pakenham railway station attack that saw another man glassed and fall onto the tracks.
Three men were travelling home on the train from the city when they were set upon by another group of men described as being of Islander appearance.
A 40-year-old Pakenham man was smashed in the face with a glass bottle before falling backwards onto the railway tracks. He managed to get clear of the railway line before another train arrived.
The third victim, 68, suffered a concussion and facial injuries, as did the 85-year-old.
Cardinia Senior Sergeant Trevor Vondrasek said police were seeking witnesses to the assault, which occurred following a minor altercation on the train at around 11pm after Friday night’s Melbourne Storm game.
It is believed that, following this minor dispute, the alleged offenders were moved to the train’s last carriage.
“But when the train pulled into Pakenham Railway Station, one of the offenders ran up to one of the victims and hit him across the head with a bottle and another victim was punched in the head,” Sen Sgt Vondrasek said.
He said it was fortunate that the man wasn’t more seriously injured.
“The victim who was struck with a bottle fell off the platform and hit his head on the tracks and the offenders ran to a waiting blue 4WD car,” he said.
Two of the victims of the assault were taken to Dandenong Hospital and one was taken to The Alfred hospital, but all have since been released.
“Injuries sustained were related to concussions, facial and soft tissue injuries,” Sen Sgt Vondrasek said.
“Transit CIU have taken over from local police.”
In August, the train station was named as the town’s most “high risk” area after a 17-year-old boy was assaulted at Bourke Park opposite the station.
Police are looking for the offenders, and ask any witnesses to contact Pakenham police on 5945 2500, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Transit CIU on 9247 6844.