Police have released CCTV of a thug wanted over two alleged violent thefts on elderly men in Melbourne’s east.

Case 1

A man, 74, was allegedly attacked from behind as he left a bus at Carbine Street about 4pm on December 12.

Police say the attacker punched the man in the face and chest before running off with cash.

It is believed the man had travelled on the same train as the victim between Surrey Hills and Box Hill prior to following him on to the bus at Blackburn.

Case 2

A Vermont South man, 82, was followed onto a train at Box Hill heading towards Nunawading on December 11.

Again, the victim was allegedly followed onto a bus.

Both the attacker and the victim disembarked the bus at Springvale Road, Vermont South, and the attacker allegedly followed the elderly man home, where police say he approached him from behind and threw him to the ground.

Again, the offender allegedly stole the man’s wallet and removed cash before the kicking the victim to the face and fleeing.

The image has since been pixelated and vision removed since the offender has been identified as someone under 18, and is about to face a Children’s Court.