A state Labor MP was assaulted and needed urgent surgery after she intervened to rescue a woman who was being attacked and kicked in the face.
Footscray Labor MP Katie Hall spoke to The Age on Friday about the attack she witnessed outside her electorate office on June 25.
Hall said that at lunchtime that day, she saw a man running past her and he collided with two women headed in the opposite direction in Nicholson Street, Footscray. One of the women fell to the ground, and the man kicked her in the head until Hall moved to stop him.
As the MP called for help, the man then headbutted Hall, knocking her over and damaging the tendons in her hand to the point where she required emergency surgery.
Hall said she called Triple Zero and followed the man around the corner to Footscray station, where he was arrested by police.
Victoria Police has been contacted about the incident.
Hall, who has been the member for Footscray since 2018, said she was grateful to emergency services and to the bystanders who assisted her.
“There were many kind people who stopped to help, including a gentleman who assisted me in ensuring the offender was located and arrested,” she said.
“I’m grateful to Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria for their swift action and care.”
Hall said crimes like the attack she witnessed were unacceptable.
“My only thought was to stop an act of violence and protect a woman being senselessly attacked,” she said.
“I have zero tolerance for this happening to anyone in my community.
“I believe that the thug is now exactly where he should be – in custody.”
The alleged offender is being held on remand ahead of a court appearance this month.
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