LONDON POLICE HAVE appealed for information following the violent mugging of an elderly cancer patient last month.

82-year-old Ahmet Dobran, who uses a walking stick, was attacked on Sussex Road at about 7pm on Sunday, 27 August.

He was dragged to the ground by three men who pinned him down before forcibly removing his personal jewellery.

Dobran sustained three fractures to his vertebrae after one of the three men grabbed him by the neck while the others reigned blows to his back and arms.

He was then forced to the ground where his gold bracelet and Longine wristwatch was removed.

The attack aggravated other conditions, such as Parkinson’s and cancer which the victim was receiving treatment for.

“How three grown men can be so vicious in attacking and robbing an 82-year-old man with a walking stick is beyond comprehension,” said investigating officer Sam Bush.

“Over the past month, Mr Dobran has been in and out of an induced coma, and he is now on a high dependency ward in hospital. He needs breathing apparatus, which includes a tracheotomy. Doctors are not sure if this is permanent or temporary.

The men still have not been identified, and I believe that they are not local to the area of East Ham, or even Newham. Someone knows who the suspects are we need to catch them before they target anyone else, as they clearly have utter disregard for their victims and do not hesitate to use violence.

In a statement, Dobran’s family said they were all “devastated”.

“This attack has taken his independence away. Our father is not an indoor person, and now he will be stuck in doors for the rest of his life. We are appalled at how someone can do this to an old man,” the family said.

Three images of men wanted for questioning have been released by police:

Anyone living in the UK who recognises the men pictured is urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111. You can also Tweet information to police @MetCC.