A 41-year-old man had his jaw broken as a gang of thugs punched him unconscious and stole two bags of Christmas presents from him and his partner.

The man and a 45-year-old woman were set upon by four men as they walked home with their Christmas shopping on Sunday December 13.

One of the thugs punched the man in his face, knocking him unconscious and breaking his jaw.

Another of the gang grabbed the woman’s handbag which had £200 in cash in it as well as her mobile phone and a Halifax bank card.

The robbers also stole two bags of Christmas presents before making their escape.

The attack occurred on the junction of Saxon Road and Eileen Road at 6.30pm.

The two victims first saw their four attackers sitting outside a block of flats as they walked along Saxon Road.

A police spokeswoman said: “As the victims walked past the group, one of the males asked them if they wanted to buy any drugs. The victims declined and carried on walking.”

They were attacked moments later by the same group.

“The male victim sustained serious injuries including a broken jaw which required surgery. He is likely to require further treatment for his injuries.”

The suspects are described as four black or asian males in their mid to late teens.

Detective Constable Ian Rasul of Croydon CID said: “This was a particularly violent attack upon two innocent members of the public making their way home after a day out. Not only has the attack resulted in them having their personal possessions stolen it has left the male victim with serious injuries that he is still receiving treatment for. I would ask anyone who may have any information to contact Croydon CID on 020 8649 1377 or call Crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."