Pensioner, 96, punched on tram

4:56pm Wednesday 20th December 2006

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An elderly man who can only walk with the aid of two sticks was punched in the face on a Croydon tram, in a vicious attack which may leave him blinded in one eye.

The 96-year-old was travelling between Sandilands and East Croydon tram stops last Thursday, December 14, at around 3pm.

As the tram approached East Croydon he was punched in the face in a motiveless attack by a man who then got off.

Members of staff and other passengers helped the man before he was taken to Mayday Hospital. Police said he was undergoing further tests and that he may lose the sight in one of his eyes.

British Transport Police acting Detective Sergeant Darren Stenning said police were hoping passengers come forward to help them track down the person responsible for the assault.

He said: "This was a completely unprovoked attack on an elderly member of our society who many now lose the sight in one of his eyes. This kind of incident should not be tolerated by anyone."

Police described the attacker as a black male, about 30-years-old, with short black hair. He was wearing a white top, white trousers and white trainers.

Call the witness appeal line on 020 7391 5275 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.