A pensioner was subjected to an ‘unprovoked and cowardly’ attack as he tried to protect his dog from being kicked by a gang in Mitcham on Friday afternoon.
The 76-year-old was left with a fractured wrist and rib after he was violently pushed to the ground on the Cricket Green at around 4pm.
He was approached by two men and two women, who for unknown reasons took exception to the victim’s dog.
The pensioner asked one suspect to stop kicking his dog, following an exchange of words the pensioner was forcibly pushed in his back causing him to fall over.
Despite his shock the victim managed to get to his feet and all four suspects fled the scene in an unknown direction.
The elderly man was able to make his way home, where a neighbour took him to a south London hospital for treatment – he has since been discharged.
The suspects are described as all being black, in their 20s and wearing dark clothing.
The man who pushed the pensioner is approximately 5ft 11ins in height with short black hair.
Detective Constable Jamie McIntosh said: “This was an unprovoked and cowardly attack on an elderly man who was out walking his dog alone.
“As a result of the incident the victim has been left frightened and confused.
“It would have been very busy around the Cricket Green at the time of the attack and there would have been a significant amount of traffic along the A239.
“I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the attack or anyone with any information to come forward and assist us with our investigating.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Merton CID on 0208 649 3057 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Picture courtesy of Ray Forster, with thanks
