But the victim was able to throw white paint onto the offenders' getaway car, causing it to crash into a gutter, and giving police a lead to use to track the attackers down.

The victim was walking home from work just after midnight on Monday, November 10, when he was attacked at the intersection of Salmond Street and Riley Place in Chifley.

Police say three men and two women were involved in the attack.

One woman hit the victim in the back of the head with a bottle. Others grabbed him by the throat and the men repeatedly punched him.

The group stole his phone and went to drive away.

But as they left, the victim threw a bucket of white paint onto the front and driver's side of the car.

That caused the car to crash into a gutter, damaging its front passenger side wheel.

Police are now seeking anyone with information about the group or the car.

Forensics are currently examining items left at the scene, including a dark green camouflage New York Yankees cap, which one of the men was wearing.

Their car was an older model white sedan, and its plates are thought to include the letters "YNK".

The group are all described as Caucasian, under the age of 25, likely to be intoxicated, and having Australian accents.

Witnesses, who heard screaming and yelling, say one of the offenders was referred to as 'Stephen'.

The male driver of the car was between 22 and 25, 175cm tall, medium build, with brown facial hair and wearing a white jumper.

The front passenger, also male, is described as about 18 to 20 years old, 183cm tall, skinny, clean shaven, with light brown or blonde hair, and wearing a bright orange or red jumper and a dark cap.

One of the women was described as being either 18 or 19 years old, 175cm tall, skinny, with long dark hair, and wearing a brown or black top.

The phone that was stolen was a Nokia Lumia 1320 in a black silicone case.

The case had two Apple brand stickers and an Intel I3 computer decal on it.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.