Thugs' evil attack...on a blind man

01 October 2008

A BLIND man was beaten with his walking stick and punched and kicked unconscious before being robbed as he lay on the ground during a sickening unprovoked attack in Beckton.

He recently had a small amount of sight restored, after spending more than fifty years totally blind, and was attempting to enjoy an afternoon of sunshine with a brief unaided walk.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information about the merciless onslaught which took place in Jake Russell Walk. As the victim, who is in his fifties, headed towards the footbridge leading to the Royal Albert Way DLR he was approached by two youths. After a brief conversation he was subjected to the assault and eventually knocked unconscious.

As he lay helpless on the ground the thugs helped themselves to his possessions. The victim has been severely traumatized by what detectives have described as a cowardly attack, and are hoping people will come forward out of sheer revulsion, if nothing else, to assist the police investigation.

Police are keen to trace anyone who was in the area at about 5pm on September 14, and several people who stopped to offer assistance, and called the emergency services. Witnesses or anyone with information are urged to contact Det Con Neil Taylor on (020) 8217 5414 or by e-mailing neil.taylor@met.police.uk. Alternatively, those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Full story by Larry Ferguson in this week's Recorder