Police are appealing for public assistance following an assault in Southbank.

Investigators have been told a 56-year-old Balwyn North man left a restaurant at Southgate about 6.30pm on December 18 and entered nearby public toilets inside the complex.

Whilst inside the bathroom facility a verbal dispute took place between the victim and two other unknown males.

One of the unknown males attempted to put his arm across the victim’s throat so the victim left the bathroom area.

The victim was followed by the males before being pushed into a wall, causing him to fall to the ground, cracking the back of his head.

He was unconscious for a short time and the males had left when he came to.

The first male is perceived to be Caucasian, 182cm tall with a solid build, brown hair, aged in his 30s and was wearing a red/pink short- sleeve button up shirt.

The second male is perceived to be 173cm tall with a slim build, aged in his 30s with brown hair and was wearing a pale blue long sleeve shirt and jeans.

Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au