Police are today offering a £20,000 reward for anyone who comes forward with information about a vicious gang attack on father-of-three Gary Hayward.

A fresh appeal is being aired tonight on BBC’s Crimewatch which will feature a reconstruction of the unsolved attack on Mr Hayward on October 2, 2011.

Members of his family and the officer in charge of the case Detective Inspector Simon Harding will appeal for key witnesses to come forward to the police.

The reward, announced today, is on offer for the successful arrest, charge and prosecution of those responsible.

Mr Hayward was viciously beaten trying to protect his dad from a gang of youths armed with metal poles and baseball bats, in Central Parade.

His father John suffered head injuries in the attack, but was discharged from hospital a few days later.

His condition deteriorated and he underwent a second operation to remove fluid from his brain.

He is now blind in one eye, unable to talk and requires full time care in a rehabilitation centre.

DI Simon Harding said he wants the New Addington community to respond in the same way they did for Tia Sharp.

He said: “This is the last throw of the dice for this investigation as we have come to a point where we have lots of names already, people have been arrested in the past but nobody has faced prosecution on the attack on Gary.

“The whole issue is finding people who witnessed the attack and are willing to stand up and give evidence.

“I want to give these witnesses protection such as special measures at court or even anonymity if it comes to that stage.”

Police previously arrested four people in connection with the attack but no one has been charged.

Five officers will be in the Crimewatch studio taking calls tonight and posters are going up today to inform people of the reward.

New Addington’s police safer neighbourhood office on Central Parade is also going to be open between 10am-10pm for the rest of the week.

Crimewatch will be aired tonight on BBC One at 9pm.

Anyone who witnessed the assault or anyone with information should contact Croydon CID on 020 3276 2264 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.