Police hunt sick thugs who laughed as they attacked partially blind man in Essex

Attack: the victim was walking from Pipps Hill Retail Park
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Rachel Blundy24 August 2015
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Police are hunting for a pair of sick thugs who laughed as they attacked a partially blind man near his home in Essex.

The two youths hit their victim over the head and broke his glasses as he walked through an underpass between the Pipps Hill Retail Park and St Nicholas Lane in Laindon.

They also shouted abuse and threw stones at him in the shocking attack on August 2, Essex Police said today.

Police have appealed for witnesses to speak to them as they revealed the victim, who has asked not to be identified, had been left "very shaken".

They are particularly interested to hear from an elderly couple who were travelling through the underpass at the time of the attack.

Pc Sharon Hall said: "Any assault is a terrible thing but to seemingly target this man because of his disability and then laugh as they did so is just so shocking that I am absolutely appalled.

"Fortunately the victim was not badly hurt but he was left very shaken and this has obviously given his confidence to go out a massive knock."

She continued: "If anyone was in the area at the time and has any information which could help us catch those responsible then I would urge them to call us.

"In particular we are keen to hear from an elderly couple who walked through the underpass towards Pipps Hill, shortly before the attack happened.

"This couple are believed to have been a woman and a man in a wheelchair. ”

In a statement issued by police today, the victim also appealed for potential volunteers to assist him on trips out following the attack.

He said: "I am almost totally blind and every time I step outside my home I am very aware of how vulnerable that makes me.

"It is difficult enough for me to get around without then being subject to abuse or attacked like this.

"I have previously suffered from lots of name calling and shouted abuse, even from mothers with prams, if I’ve tapped a pushchair with my walking cane in an attempt to get by.

"I am hoping to get a guide dog to improve my mobility but I would also like to hear from anyone who thinks they could escort me on trips out sometimes to help improve my confidence.”

Anyone with information can contact Pc Marc Shaddock at Basildon Police Station on 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who would like to help the victim can contact PC Sharon Hall at Essex Police on 101 extension 440155.

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