Brixton pensioner, 87, punched to the ground for his gold chain

GOLD: A picture of the chain that was taken during the attack
GOLD: A picture of the chain taken during the attack

Police are hunting for two callous muggers who viscously attacked an 87-year-old man before stealing his distinctive gold chain.

The pensioner was sitting on a bench outside his home in Arlingford Road, Brixton, at 11am last Tuesday (August 5) when two men approached him. Police say one attacker then grabbed the victim’s chain from around his neck, dragged him to the floor and punched him in the face several times.

After taking the chain the two men ran off towards nearby Brockwell Park. Both suspects are described as light-skinned black men in their late teens or early twenties. One was wearing a blue “fisherman’s-type” hat and dark clothes.

Detectives from Lambeth’s Robbery Squad have released a picture of the gold chain that was stolen in a bid to track it down. It is as a heavy gold chain, with a pendant of a crucifix combined with an anchor.

Detective Constable Sarah Mustoe said: “The gold chain that was stolen is very distinctive and it is likely that the suspects have, or will try to sell it on, so we’re appealing for anyone with information to get in touch with us. This was a violent robbery against an elderly man, and I’d urge anyone who might have information regarding the identity of the suspects to come forwards as well.”

Anyone with information should contact the Lambeth Robbery Squad via 101 or call Crimestoppers, which is completely anonymous on 0800 555 111.