Crimestoppers are offering a £10,000 reward for information leading to the men who violently robbed a pensioner with cancer in East Ham last year.
Ahmet Dobran, 83, was suffering from Parkinson’s disease and myeloma cancer when he was struck outside his flat on Sussex Road in August.
He was beaten and dragged to the ground by three men, who got away with £8,000 worth of jewellery, including his Gold Longines Watch, a diamond bracelet and a gold pendant with `Alex’ inscribed on it.
He suffered three fractures to his neck, lost the use of his left hand, and was only able to walk for up to three minutes with a zimmer frame.
He was put into an induced coma and had numerous operations to attach a tracheostomy and tube to his stomach, and was unable to swallow food or liquids.
He sadly died on January 15.
Crimestoppers are now offering the reward for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of Mr Dobran’s attackers.
Roger Critchell, director of operations at Crimestoppers, said: “This callous attack on an elderly man, who was struggling with Parkinson’s and cancer, has left his devoted family grief-stricken and desperate for answers.
“At Crimestoppers, we believe everyone has a right to feel safe, wherever they live. There will be someone who knows who was involved in beating up this defenceless man.
“I would ask that if you have information on Mr Dobran’s attack, please speak up and help keep your community safe by contacting our charity. I promise you that nobody will know you spoke to us, and that you will remain 100 per cent anonymous.”
One man, aged 33, was arrested and charged in December but the other two are yet to be identified.
Speaking to the Recorder in November, Mr Dobran’s daughter Lema described her father as a “proud” man who was regularly seen around East Ham before his ordeal wearing a two-piece suit and tie as he visited his favourite betting shop with friends and drank cappuccinos.
Anyone with information should contact Crimestopppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or through the non-traceable online form at
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here