Two bouncers who were photographed savagely beating revellers outside a Melbourne strip club have lost their jobs and could now face police charges, days before a new curfew system is set to be introduced in Victoria.
The photographs show one club patron curled up on the ground near the entrance of Bar 20, trying to protect himself as a bouncer kicks him.
Behind him another bouncer is punching a second man, also lying on the ground.
A witness, calling himself John told 3AW radio the bouncer stuck the patron up to 20 times during what he described as a "relentless" attack outside the bar on King St around 4.30am yesterday.
"10, 15, 20 punches, more than one kick while they were down."
Victoria's Deputy Police Commissioner Kieran Walshe told 3AW the two men allegedly assaulted refused to make a complaint or statement, despite being contacted by police officers.
"Crowd controllers are licenced and employed to provide security and safety around venues, not for getting involved in physical altercations with patrons."
"From time to time we do get complaints of overzealous response and activity by crowd controllers and security around venues. But it's not something that occurs everything weekend or on a regular basis," he said.
This latest incident comes as the Victorian Government prepares to trial a 2am lockout for pubs and clubs in the CBD and inner city Melbourne.
Victorian Premier John Brumby claims the lockout will reduce alcohol-fuelled violence across the city.
However some opponents argue kicking patrons out to roam the streets will have the opposite effect.
Over 80 clubs have already sought and received exemptions from the lock-out trial.