By Jessica Anstice
A man has died after being assaulted by unknown offenders while staying at a campsite in Noojee over the weekend.
Homicide Squad detectives have launched an investigation into the death of a 49-year-old Springvale man who was camping at Toorongo Falls from Monday 15 June.
Investigators understand that the man had intended on staying at the campsite located at the intersection of Toorongo Valley Road and Fawcett Track about five kilometres north east of Noojee for a period of time with his dog.
Police believe that a large amount of people – up to 25 groups -were camping at the same site on Friday 19 June.
Homicide investigators are under the impression that the Springvale man was assaulted by other campers sometime late on Friday evening or early Saturday morning following an altercation, possibly relating to the man’s dog.
By Saturday afternoon, according to witnesses a significant number of campers had left the site, however it is believed around a dozen camp sites remained.
Detective Inspector Tim Day said the assault appeared to be unprovoked and police have information that it was witnessed by a number of people.
“We know that people witnessed the incident and those people will be able to assist us in identifying those responsible for the assault,” Detective Inspector Day said.
Police have confirmed that the man did not die at the scene, rather a few days later.
At about 9pm on Saturday 20 June, the victim and a Langwarrin man drove to a hotel in nearby Noojee on Mount Baw Baw Tourist Road.
The man’s condition was so poor that staff at the hotel called for medical assistance, however the man refused help and the pair left the hotel and returned to the campsite.
The following day the two men went back to the hotel to seek medical assistance after the Springvale man had become disoriented.
Staff at the hotel then called for an ambulance before the man died on the way to hospital.
Homicide Squad detectives are now appealing for public assistance in hope that anyone who was in the area at the time can provide further details.
A photo of the victim, along with images of the victim’s vehicle and of the site where he had set up camp have been released.
Police also wish to speak to anyone who may have seen the Springvale man while he was in the area over the course of the past week.
“We are asking for anyone who camped at the Toorongo Falls camp ground between Monday the 15 June and Monday 22 June 2020 to please contact Crime Stoppers and register your details,” Detective Inspector Day said.
“More specifically we’d like to speak to anyone who was at the campground over this last weekend from Friday 19 June through until Monday 22 June.
“Police are also asking anyone who may have seen the victim at the Noojee Hotel on either Saturday or Sunday evenings or witnessed the assault to contact police.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
