Melbourne, Jan 3 (IANS) An Indian youth from Punjab was viciously stabbed while on his way to work in this Australian city Saturday night. He died later in hospital - adding to the saga of assaults on Indians in this country as the year begins.

The 21-year-old, who had permanent residency and worked at Hungry Jack's restaurant in West Footscray, managed to stagger to the restaurant after he was stabbed at about 10 p.m. Saturday and sought help before collapsing, AAP news agency reported.

He was rushed to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, but later died.

The victim, who was from Newport, had travelled to Yarraville train station about 9.30 p.m. and then walked to Cruickshank Park where he was stabbed in the abdomen, the police said.

He stumbled some 300 metres to the Hungry Jack's restaurant where he worked part-time.

Homicide Squad Senior Sergeant Dave Snare described it as a vicious attack.

He said at this stage there was no evidence the man was targeted because of his race.

The victim was a single man who had permanent residency in Australia. Some of the man's belongings were found in the park.

Forensic experts have scoured the scene and a search failed to locate any weapon.

There had been a string of attacks on Indian students in Australia last year, which caused an outrage in India. The assaults had taken place in Melbourne as well as Sydney.