Cops make breakthrough in manhunt for pack of teenagers after Norwegian tourist was brutally bashed at St Kilda Pier
A teenager has been charged after a Norwegian tourist was allegedly bashed by a group of youths at a popular Melbourne beach.
A 34-year-old Norwegian man was visiting St Kilda Pier about 1pm last Thursday when he was allegedly approached by the group and accused of taking photos of beachgoers.
The group allegedly bashed the man, stole his phone and then threw it in the ocean.
A 19-year-old man was arrested after presenting to a police station on Wednesday night.
The teenager, from Deer Park, has been charged with assault, intentionally causing injury, robbery, affray, and theft.
He has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 8, 2026.
The update comes after Victoria Police made an appeal for help to find four people they believe could assist with their inquiries.
Detective Senior Constable Jesse Coppel said the group accused the victim of taking photos of people at the pier.
A man was allegedly assaulted by a group in Melbourne while he was visiting Australia from Norway
Footage posted on social media shows the terrifying moment the man was allegedly chased down the pier
‘During the course of the confrontation he’s shown his phone to the offenders, proven that he’s not done it and they’ve [allegedly] proceeded to assault him anyway,’ Detective Senior Constable Coppel said.
‘The information we have indicates that people have seen the contents of his phone prior to it being destroyed and there was nothing of that material or that nature on the phone .
‘It seems to me as if they have used this as an excuse to confront this man and when it’s not followed through they’ve [allegedly] assaulted him anyway regardless.’
Police said the group are believed to be aged between their late teens to early 20s and at least seven more alleged offenders remain outstanding.
Footage posted on social media shows the terrifying moment the man was allegedly chased then assaulted him in front of bystanders.
The man was taken to hospital and treated for a broken arm.
He was planning to stay in Australia for Christmas but has now returned to Norway.
Police were called to the scene, however the group had already fled by the time officers arrived.
Two men that Victoria Police believe could assist them with their inquiries
A woman in a red bikini has also been identified as a person that could assist with inquiries
Victoria Police also issued this photo of a fourth man they would like to speak to
Investigators have released images of three men and a woman they believe can assist with their enquiries.
One of the men is described as being in his early 20s, of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, with a thin build, short goatee beard and black curly hair.
The second man is described as being in his early 20s, of Caucasian appearance, short goatee beard and short brown hair, and was wearing a black New York Yankees beanie and open grey short sleeve shirt at the time.
The third man is described as being in his late teens to early 20s, of Caucasian appearance, with curly hair with shaved sides and was wearing a Chicago Bulls #13 jersey and carrying a black satchel bag.
The woman police wish to speak to was seen wearing a red bikini. She has a number of distinctive tattoos on her chest, leg and arm and is described as being in her early 20s, with a slim build and dark hair.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
