Victoria Police spokesman Acting Senior Sergeant Cameron Scott confirmed officers were looking into the incident after receiving multiple reports of the assault in broad daylight after the bus stopped at the crowded rank on the afternoon of last Wednesday. 

Witnesses said the bus pulled into the stop before a group of girls, believed to be in their teens, got on board and assaulted the 15-year-old girl about 3.30pm.

The bashing started on the bus before spilling out into the street as shocked onlookers watched on.

The girl was left bleeding from a cut under an eye and had bruising, according to witnesses.

It’s understood the girl attends a Ballarat high school.

When contacted by The Courier, the school’s vice principal confirmed he was aware of the bashing.

“We’re not in a position to comment,” he said.

Ballarat councillor Des Hudson, who has a strong interest in community safety and the Little Bridge Street precinct, slammed the actions of the group of girls.

“It’s really concerning behaviour when we see a group of females who would have that pack mentality and potentially assault someone,” he said.

“There’s a significant power imbalance for that victim who is on her own.”

The bashing is yet another incident to have hit the Little Bridge Street precinct in the past year.

In November, two 19-year-old men were sitting in a car before they were mugged by a group of men late at night in the car park.

However, Cr Hudson said such incidents were not everyday occurrences.

“It’s important for the community to take a stance and when they see something to say something and challenge that behaviour,” he said.

Anyone who witnessed Wednesday’s bashing is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.