A Good Samaritan stabbed after helping a woman in distress in central Melbourne has been hailed for his heroics but police are urging others not to intervene in similar attacks.
The 24-year-old man had just finished work at a nearby Southbank restaurant when he tried to help a woman being attacked on the Yarra Promenade and was stabbed.
Police believe the same offender earlier assaulted two men on the promenade, before the stabbing occurred on Friday night.
Investigators do not believe the male offender and the woman know each other.
Witnesses, including the woman and the two other men who were assaulted, are being urged to come forward.
Police are also yet to talk to the stabbing victim, who was taken to the Alfred hospital where he is having surgery for a non-life threatening stab wound to his stomach.
They will also review CCTV footage.
Detective Senior Constable Jon Amore labelled the crime a "despicable act" and thanked the victim for his efforts.
"It's obviously a heroic act, he's seen a female in distress," he told reporters on Saturday.
"I assume he tried to do the right thing by stepping in and as a result, it hasn't turned out too good for him."
He urged people not to step in during such situations, but to call police.
"We don't know what other people are like," he said.
"We can only obviously thank him for his efforts - unfortunately it hasn't worked out the way we wanted it to for all parties."
After the stabbing, the offender fled east along the promenade. He is described as aged 20-22, stocky, Caucasian, about 180cm tall and wearing a black and white cap, white t-shirt and white runners.
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