The man was crossing High Street near Apco at 2.20pm when a car pulled up next to him, and the driver left the vehicle.

The driver yelled out “mate, do you want to be a hero?” before pushing the victim two or three times, Sergeant Greg Gentry said.

The victim – who was completing a shift reading gas meters at houses – was then punched to the side of the face.

A police van drove past while the altercation was taking place, and the man quickly jumped back into his grey Ford Falcon and drove away.

The police officers had a person in custody in the van and were unable to leave the vehicle, but provided assistance to the victim.

The man was unknown to the victim, who described it as a random attack.

Police are calling for anyone who witnessed the attack to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.