The injured Diamond Creek man, Patrick Cronin. Photo: Facebook
A young man is in a critical condition following a violent brawl involving dozens of people in Melbourne's outer north-east.
Homicide squad detectives investigating the alleged assault have been told a fight broke out among up to 30 patrons late on Saturday night at a licensed venue in Diamond Creek.
The man has been identified as Patrick Cronin.
Police arrive at The Windy Mile Hotel in Diamond Creek after a man was assaulted. Photo: Joe Armao
Paramedics were called at 1.18am on Sunday to Happy Valley Rise in Diamond Creek after reports that a man had been severely injured, an Ambulance Victoria spokesman said.
The man, believed to be in his late teens, had suffered a head injury earlier in the night and was taken the the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition, he said.
He remained listed as in a critical condition as of 11.45am on Sunday.
Sergeant Anthoula Moutis said police were investigating an incident at a licensed premises "which originally involved up to 30 patrons".
"Police have been told that the man returned to a house in Happy Valley Rise, where paramedics were called shortly after," Sergeant Moutis said.
Meanwhile, crime scene tape has been set up less than 300 metres away from the home on Main Street around The Windy Mile restaurant and bar.
Forensics and homicide squad on scene in Diamond Creek after a huge overnight brawl @9NewsMelb pic.twitter.com/HC7EBlEB7L
— Matt Smithson (@mattsmithson) April 17, 2016
Lower Plenty Football Club president Grant Barden said the man was from a "beautiful family" and their thoughts were with them.
"We don't know what happened. We heard he was king hit. That's all we know," he said.
The Research Junior Football Club also notified its followers that the man had been "cowardly assaulted" after playing his first seniors game with his brother.
Police remained tight-lipped on the case, however, and would not confirm details.
A police spokeswoman said the homicide squad was now leading in the investigation.
"Homicide squad detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and how the man sustained the injury," she said.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
More to come
