Security cameras captured a group of youths, their faces obscured by balaclavas, leaning out of a car’s sunroof as it cruised along Bay Street in Port Melbourne yesterday afternoon, just before an attack unfolded.

The group appeared to be on the lookout for specific individuals. The car eventually halted, and several occupants, one visibly wielding a large knife, exited and began sprinting.

At approximately 3:15 p.m., police responded to reports of an assault on nearby Lalor Street, a short distance from where the car had stopped.

It has been reported that six hooded individuals chased two young people down the street.

Eyewitnesses informed 9News that the attackers assaulted the pair using a pole and a machete.

One brave bystander, a construction worker, attempted to intervene by throwing a sledgehammer into the mix. However, one of the attackers seized the tool and repurposed it as a weapon.

Families say they were cowering inside their homes in fear as the violent scenes took place on their doorstep.

“It looks like a scene from Syria,” he said of the footage.

Witnesses said the group fled the area in a white Haval SUV, which was later spotted at Junction Oval in St Kilda.

The group, including the targets of the attack, left the scene before police arrived.

“No victims have come forward to report the incident to police,” a spokesperson for Victoria Police said.

“There were no reports of weapons involved.”

The car has not been found, police added.

No arrests have been made.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.