An elderly man was viscously beaten with his own walking stick before being robbed while he was out shopping.

The 75-year-old victim was attacked on October 7 at around 8.10pm in St John’s Road, Harrow, on his way back from a trip to Harrow town centre.

He was approached by a man from behind and had his walking stick stolen, which was then used as a weapon to beat him.

The suspect repeatedly hit the man across his neck, chest and arms, before making off with his victim’s LG smartphone.

Detective constable Joe MacDonald of Harrow CID said: “The level of violence used against an elderly man walking home from the supermarket is despicable. It hardly needs stating that the attack was callous and cowardly.

“I would urge anyone who saw anything suspicion, or who has any information that may assist the investigation, to call police urgently.”

The attacker is described as a white man, possibly aged in his early 20s who was wearing a baseball cap.

Witnesses or anyone with information should call Harrow CID via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.