A man with severe brain damage had his prized gold chain ripped from his neck as he walked home in Sutton.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the attack on the 47-year-old, in broad daylight, on Benhill Wood Road.

The £1000 chain was stolen on Sunday July 8 and had been a present from the his mother.

A man, described as black and aged between 18 and 25, was wearing a brown zip-up coat and blue jeans as he approached the victim at the junction of Benhill Wood Road and Oakhill Road.

The attacker, who struck about 3.10pm on Sunday, was said to be about 5ft 7in of slim build.

When he was seven, the victim suffered severe brain damage after he was knocked down by a car near Beddington Park and was in a coma for three months.

Even when he came round, he was unable to walk, talk or even swallow. Despite his disability, he gave chase to his attacker, on foot, for a couple of minutes around the Benhill Estate following his attack, but failed to catch him.

Detective constable Steve Newman, of Sutton’s Burglary and Robbery Investigation Team, urged anyone who knows the suspect, witnessed the incident, or has been offered a gold chain (see photo) to get in touch with police immediately on 020 8649 0777.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.