Melbourne dad is allegedly attacked by thief after trying to get back his stolen car

The shocking moment a vigilante father was left needing surgery on his face after being bashed by a man who allegedly stole his new car has been caught on camera.

Tony Bui, 41, bravely confronted an alleged thief who is accused of nicking his brand new Kia Carnival car from the driveway of his home in Footscray, inner-city Melbourne, at 6am Saturday.

By chance, Mr Bui's 12-year-old son spotted the car on Tuesday morning in the city centre on Nicholson Street.

Mr Bui then called the police and waited for them to arrive.

But before they showed up, a scuffle broke out between Mr Bui and the alleged thief, leaving the vigilante father with a broken nose and a fractured cheek.

Mr Bui's 12-year-old son, who caught the brave confrontation on camera, also called tripe-0.

'My dad's bleeding, my dad's bleeding,' he told the call operator.

'Can you come quickly please?' 

 Mr Bui told Channel 9 that he was disappointed it took the police over 20 minutes to arrive after his initial phone call.  

The alleged thief was able to flee the scene before police arrived. 

A spokeswoman for Vitoria Police said that after spotting his car, Mr Bui 'confronted the offender as he got into the vehicle'.

'It is believed the offender then assaulted the 41-year-old man before fleeing the scene on foot,' the spokeswoman added. 

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au