Victoria Police have released footage of the chilling moment a taxi driver was violently assaulted as he arrived for work.

About 4am on September 3, the 82-year-old man drove in to the taxi depot on Lily Street in Coburg North and had barely stopped his car when he was confronted by two men.

CCTV footage showed the two men sneaking around the depot prior to the assault, and moving behind the car as the elderly man drove in for work.

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As he opened his door, the offenders could be seen wrenching it open and reaching into the vehicle, as the man attempted to accelerate forward to escape.

The driver told investigators one man hit him with a wooden stick while the other made demands for cash.

He handed over a small amount of money before the offenders fled on foot.

Fawkner Embona detectives are investigating the incident and believe the depot office was the original target.

The men were wearing dark clothing with hoodies covering their faces and spoke with Indian accents.

Anyone who can identify the men or who has any information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au