Police have received a number of calls as a result of their Gary Hayward appeal tonight.

A fresh appeal was aired this evening on BBC’s Crimewatch which featured a reconstruction of the unsolved vicious gang attack on Gary Hayward on October 2, 2011.

Police also announced they are offering a £20,000 reward for anyone who comes forward with information about the attack on father-of-three Mr Hayward.

Speaking to Crimewatch after the appeal was aired, DI Simon Harding said they had received more than 20 calls, with five names being mentioned more than once.

During the appeal, members of Gary Hayward’s family spoke about the attack and the importance of witnesses to come forward.

Mr Hayward’s sister, Zowey, said: “Who wants people like that walking around the street. Whoever does speak up will be a hero in my book.

“That is the best outcome we can hope for really is that Gary gets his justice as Gary can’t fight for it by himself.”

Police also appealed for the whereabouts of a silver 12 Megapixel Fuji camera which John Hayward, Gary’s father, used to photograph the attackers.

The camera was subsequently stolen during the attack.

Mr Hayward, 29, 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.

Mr Hayward's 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.”

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.