Photo: myfox8.com

A 16-year-old boy had just exited the store on the corner of Grimshaw and Henry streets when he was pushed from behind by an unknown man about 10.30pm.

The boy ran back inside the store and sought refuge behind the service counter.

But the offender gave chase, stopping only to pick up and put on the victim’s baseball cap which had fallen off due to the force of the push.

The man entered the fast food outlet and demanded the boy hand over his mobile phone.

An attendant working at the fast food outlet, who was also a 16-year-old boy, stood in front of the victim in an effort to shield him from the man.

The offender then jumped over the counter and punched the store attendant in the face.

He then wrestled with the original victim before taking the boy’s phone and fleeing the store. The parties were unknown to each other.

The store attendant sustained minor injuries in the scuffle.

Detectives believe the assaults could be linked to an attempted carjacking which occurred a short distance away earlier on Friday night.

A woman was driving her car in Henry Street when a man opened her front passenger side door and got into the car.

The victim screamed for help as the man started pushing her out of the car as he attempted to slide across into the drivers’ seat.

The man fled after nearby motorists came to the woman’s aid.

Police have released CCTV of a man they wish to speak with in relation to the incidents.

Pics to come.

The man is described as aged in his early to mid 20s, of medium build, with distinctive scarring on his face.

He was wearing a black hoodie.

Anyone with any information about the assault is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au