Victorian Police are calling on three men who attacked two strangers in East Melbourne late on Thursday night to hand themselves in.

The police have released footage of the vicious assault, which saw a 61-year-old taken to hospital with serious facial injuries, including a fractured cheekbone, while a 45-year-old is being treated for a broken arm that may require surgery.

Investigators have been told that the two men were walking along Wellington Parade when they were approached by three unknown men about 12.10am.

A verbal altercation took place and the two victims were then assaulted by the trio.

The older man, from Rosebud, was punched in the head around 17 times before he was then stomped on him by a man wearing a Richmond football beanie, while his 45-year-old friend from Mount Evelyn was assaulted by two others offenders.

The assault took place not far from the MCG, where the Richmond Tigers defeated Hawthorne in the first match of the finals series.

One of the men assaulted was a Richmond supporter.

Detective Senior Constable Ashlee Bull from Melbourne CIU told in a media conference today that the two men were at a loss to explain why the assault occurred.

She said several witnesses have already come forward and is “pretty confident”, given the clarity of the footage, that those responsible will be identified and should hand themselves into police.

The attackers fled the scene on foot and were last seen running towards Clarendon Street and the Fitzroy Gardens.

The assault was filmed by witnesses. One man can be seen in the footage trying to stop the attack and assist the injured pair.

Police say who witnessed the assault or can identify the three unknown men should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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