A Melbourne police officer was kicked in the face while he was crouching, trying to arrest a 16-year-old boy for alleged shoplifting in Melbourne.
The incident happened at Highpoint Shopping Centre on Tuesday afternoon.
The scuffle was captured on CCTV. It unfolded in front of shocked Boxing Day shoppers before the assailant fled the scene.
He was filmed hiding from police behind a parked car before he ran off and is yet to be found.
Two images of the youth that police would like to speak to Source: Victoria Police
The senior constable sustained non-life threatening injuries during the incident and was taken to hospital for treatment.
"It could have been a lot worse and I'm pleased to report he's returned to work today," Superintendent Therese Fitzgerald told reporters on Wednesday.
"He's got bruising to his eye but is in very good spirits."
A 16-year-old Flemington boy was arrested over the alleged theft but has been released pending further inquiries.
The teen whom police wish to speak with is described as African in appearance. He was wearing a white top and black bandana at the time of the incident.
Not just an African youth problem: Police minister
Victorian Police Minister Lisa Neville told 3AW radio on Thursday that youth crime in Victoria was overwhelmingly committed by Australian citizens, not African gangs.
“We’ve got to be clear, this is not just an African youth problem,” she said.
“Overwhelmingly it’s Australian citizens who are offending; some of those are African-born.
“We have funded the gangs squad which has been very effective in disrupting these groups.”
