A couple of youths laughed as they attacked an almost blind man as he was walking through an underpass.

The man, who has impaired vision and wears glasses to help him see, was walking through an underpass between the Pipps Hill Retail Park and St Nicholas Lane, when he was set upon by two youths.

They shouted abuse at him and then began throwing stones at him, hitting the special glasses he wears to assist with his vision, and breaking them.

The youths, believed to be aged between 11 and 17, laughed at him and hit him on the head before running off.

The man, who does not wish to be identified, said: "I am almost totally blind and every time I step outside my home I am very aware of how vulnerable that makes me.

"It is difficult enough for me to get around without then being subject to abuse or attacked like this.

"I have previously suffered from lots of name calling and shouted abuse, even from mothers with prams, if I’ve tapped a pushchair with my walking cane in an attempt to get by.

"I am hoping to get a guide dog to improve my mobility but I would also like to hear from anyone who thinks they could escort me on trips out sometimes to help improve my confidence.”

Hate crime officer, Pc Sharon Hall, said: "Any assault is a terrible thing but to seemingly target this man because of his disability and then laugh as they did so is just so shocking that I am absolutely appalled.

"Fortunately the victim was not badly hurt but he was left very shaken and this has obviously given his confidence to go out a massive knock.

"If anyone was in the area at the time and has any information which could help us catch those responsible then I would urge them to call us. In particular we are keen to hear from an elderly couple who walked through the underpass towards Pipps Hill, shortly before the attack happened. This couple are believed to have been a woman and a man in a wheelchair. ”

Anyone with information about the assault on August 2 can call Pc Marc Shaddock at Basildon Police Station on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. It offers rewards of up to £1,000 for information leading to the arrest and or conviction of offenders.

Anyone who would like to help the victim can contact PC Sharon Hall at Essex Police on 101 extension 440155.