Police are investigating an incident involving a grocery store employee in Healesville, Yarra Valley, who was allegedly assaulted by a group of teenagers. On January 2 at approximately 9 am, three teens reportedly entered the store and stole alcohol before attempting to flee. As a 32-year-old worker, Hannah, tried to prevent one of the girls from leaving, she was allegedly punched and kicked multiple times, resulting in fractured ribs.
The assault escalated when one girl who had initially left the scene returned to join the attack. Hannah recounted screaming for help as she was assaulted, stating, “She just grabbed my hair and then started kicking me.” Fortunately, a bystander intervened, but as of now, police have yet to make any arrests.
Authorities are describing the suspects as three girls in their early teens, with one wearing a rainbow hoodie and another in a black hoodie. The group was last seen running eastward along the Maroondah Highway. Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Despite the traumatic experience, Hannah has returned to work and continues to speak out about the attack.