Police investigate woman smashing plate in waitress’ face

Melbourne police are investigating a reported assault involving a woman who allegedly knocked a plate into the face of a cafe waitress, leaving her with damaged teeth.

La Vallee in Essendon yesterday posted CCTV footage of the incident last Friday, about 1pm, as it sought to identify the woman.

The waitress, standing outside the cafe on Keilor Road, was left with a chipped tooth.

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Police today said they were investigating the reported assault and issued a description of the woman.

"A woman assaulted the staff member, knocking the plate from her hand before walking off. The staff member sustained damage to her teeth from the incident.

"The woman was wearing a black long sleeve top, light blue jeans, sunglasses and a distinctive silver necklace with a charm. She was also carrying plastic bottles of iced-coffee and a black jacket."

The footage shows the woman narrowly avoiding the waitress, before suddenly knocking the plates from her hands.

Described on the cafe's social media posts, as a "grown woman", she then calmly continued walking down the street.

The business is now appealing for public help to identify her.

"We are beyond shocked at this abhorrent behaviour of this grown woman. If you know her please send us a private message."

"This incident led to one of our beautiful staff members CHIPPING THEIR TOOTH from the plate she pushed into her face.

"We love being part of the community in Essendon, and we hope our followers can share, tag and suggest this to local friends so we can get some justice AND hold this person accountable."

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Several people commented on the video shared by the business, including Australia billionaire Adrian Portelli.

"This behaviour needs to be stamped out. It doesn't belong here," he said.

A local Brazilian Jui-Jitsu gym, gforcebjj, offered assistance to the waitress.

"This may not be much, but we would like to offer your injured staff member a 12-month self-defence membership free of charge," they posted.

"This was very disturbing."

A nearby business, Beauty on Rose, said it would check all of its cameras and visit the restaurant with what it has found.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam or CCTV footage or anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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