Detectives are appealing for information after a 55-year-old man was brutally beaten on his doorstep by masked men who raided his upmarket home in Wimbledon, south-west London. The victim, Paul Kohler, a prominent legal academic and senior lecturer at SOAS, University of London suffered "life-changing injuries" to his face, police said, during the attack in which his 50-year-old wife was threatened and taped to a chair.

A number of personal items were stolen during the aggravated burglary at about 10pm on Monday.

Two men in their 20s were arrested at the scene but a third man ran off towards Wimbledon town centre. The alarm was raised by the victim's daughter, aged in her 20s, who lives above her parents. Police yesterday issued an appeal to help trace the third suspect, who was caught on CCTV running over a main road, narrowly missing a passing car.

DI Dan O'Sullivan, of Merton burglary squad, said: "I'm appealing to anyone who was in the area between 21.00 and 23.00hrs and may have heard or seen the events that night. We are also seeking information regarding a silver car the suspects may have used.

"The level of violence used was extreme and has left a victim seriously injured and traumatised. The fast response to the 999 call ensured that two suspects were apprehended and the victim could receive immediate first aid.

"I must stress that this appears to be an isolated incident, and such cases are thankfully rare. However, this serious attack is now the subject of a meticulous inquiry whilst we work to support individuals affected by the events and the local community. Officers are conducting high visibility patrols and speaking to residents to answer their concerns."

The victim is undergoing surgery to his eye and treatment for multiple facial injuries, as well as bruising to the body and limbs, Scotland Yard said.

Professor Richard Black, Acting Director of SOAS, University of London, said: "The entire SOAS community is extremely shocked by these events. Our thoughts and best wishes are with Paul and his family after this appalling incident."

Police officers want to speak to anyone who saw a silver Volkswagen two-door cabriolet-style car which was believed to have been used by the suspects.

Anyone with information is urged to call the incident room on 020 8649 3159 , or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.