REVEALED: Grandfather, 50, was 'stomped on and beaten with baseball bats' by a gang of youths after a row over FIREWORKS on Christmas Day - as his devastated family prepare to take him off life support

  • A 50-year-old man was allegedly bashed outside his house on Christmas Day 
  • Anthony Clark is on life support machines following the alleged attack 
  • The violence began as fireworks were set off in the middle of the street 
  • His stepdaughter said machines will be turned off after family flies from Ireland  

By Lauren Ferri and Charlie Coë For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

A 50-year-old grandfather who was allegedly bashed with baseball bats outside his home on Christmas Day got into a row over fireworks.

Anthony Clark was allegedly 'thrown around like a rag doll', stomped on and hit with bats in the street outside his home at Moorolbark in Melbourne's outer eastern suburbs shortly before 11pm Wednesday.

His wife was also knocked out in their driveway and Mr Clark's stepdaughter Jessikah Clark said he was 'pretty much gone'.

The violence began as the family were saying their farewells on the street and fireworks were let off, causing a dog to bark and the owners to get angry. 

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Anthony Clark (pictured) was allegedly 'thrown around like a rag doll', stomped on and hit with bats in the street outside his home at Moorolbark in Melbourne

Anthony Clark (pictured) was allegedly 'thrown around like a rag doll', stomped on and hit with bats in the street outside his home at Moorolbark in Melbourne

The family said a gang of youths with weapons, including bats and metal bars, were involved in the attack. 

Ms Clark also claimed there were about '15 men' that set up on them she and her mother were hit. 

'They were yelling because a firework went off and their dog was barking,' she told Seven News.  

'They had bats...they smashed my car and they threw mum around like a rag doll.'

Ms Clark said her daughter has now 'lost everything' and wants her grandfather to come home 'but he's never going to come home'.   

'We have lost the best man in our whole lives,' she told the Herald Sun.

'No-one should have to die on Christmas Day just for looking after his wife and kids.' 

The man's family was scheduled to arrive from Ireland and Canada on Sunday after which Mr Clark's life support will be switched off.    

His wife and 25-year-old stepdaughter were also allegedly attacked, his brother-in-law Mark told 3AW.  

'He's a gentle giant, and he was brutally, and I mean, savagely, attacked,' he said.

The violence began as the family were saying their farewells on the street and fireworks were let off, causing a dog to bark and the owners to get angry

The violence began as the family were saying their farewells on the street and fireworks were let off, causing a dog to bark and the owners to get angry 

Mark said he believed his brother-in-law was trying to shield his baby during the brutal attack. 

'They knocked my sister out, and had my niece - from what I understand - by the hair,' he told 3AW.  

 Mr Clarke was repeatedly bashed in the head and was taken to hospital in a critical condition and placed in intensive care.

The family said there was no hope of recovery and his life-support will be turned off. 

The alleged attack happened outside a house in Morrolbark (pictured is the victim's house) at 11pm on Christmas Day

The alleged attack happened outside a house in Morrolbark (pictured is the victim's house) at 11pm on Christmas Day 

Mr Clark's daughter Jessikah said the family were devastated over the violent attack

Mr Clark's daughter Jessikah said the family were devastated over the violent attack 

His wife suffered minor injuries and has been by his side at the hospital ever since.

An 18-year-old man was arrested but was later released. 

'The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be established and an investigation is ongoing,' police said. 

According to The Age four members of Mr Clark's family have been charged with affray after another dispute on Friday. 

They are to appear at Ringwood Magistrates Court on May 25 after receiving bail. 

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.    

ChristmasMelbourne

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