A 60-year-old grocer who was critically injured while coming to the aid of a fellow shopkeeper in Melbourne's west has died. The man, who worked at an Asian grocery store in Sunshine, was allegedly attacked by a group of five youths on Sunday.
The victim had rushed to help a neighbouring business owner who was being robbed. In the ensuing scuffle, he was allegedly pushed to the ground and struck his head.
Injuries described as 'unsurvivable'
He was rushed to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, but a magistrate on Tuesday described his injuries as “unsurvivable,” saying the man had “only hours or days” left to live. Police confirmed he died on Wednesday afternoon.
Three boys aged 12, 13 and 15 from the Brimbank area, along with two girls aged 14 from Banyule and Brimbank, were each charged with affray, violent disorder, intentionally causing serious injury, and intentionally causing injury.
Charges may be upgraded
The five youths were remanded to appear before a children's court at a later date. Another 13-year-old boy had his charges withdrawn. Police said detectives will consider upgrading the charges following the victim's death.
“Anyone who witnessed the incident, has footage or any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers,” police said.
Tributes and response
The grocer had worked at his shop for 20 years. Acting Premier Ben Carroll previously called for adult punishments for the group of youths.
“I met with the chief commissioner last week and I've told him he'll have every resource he needs to help us tackle violent crime,” Carroll said. “This was terrible what occurred to this gentleman in a retail shop. There's no tolerance for this sort of behaviour, it's awful.”
