A man is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after being attacked by youths for reportedly refusing to give them a lighter.

The 32-year-old victim from Norbury had just got off a tram at East Croydon tram stop, with his mum and girlfriend, when he was assaulted at about 1.05am this morning.

The victim was left unconscious for a short period of time and was taken to hospital where he remains with life-threatening head injuries.

Two boys aged 17 and 14 who are both from Wimbledon, were arrested on suspicion of robbery and causing grievous bodily harm.

The teenagers were arrested in an underpass near Dingwall Road shortly after the assault and remain in police custody.

Detective Sergeant Bob Stokoe, from Croydon British Transport Police station said: “This was a vicious and brutal attack on a man who had absolutely no chance of defending himself.

“We’ve launched an investigation into the attack and are making local enquiries, including viewing CCTV, to try and piece together exactly what took place.

“As part of our enquiries police officers will be at the tram stop on Saturday evening in a bid to gather further information.

“If you saw what took place, or have any information that could help our investigation, please come forward. All calls will be treated in strict confidence.”

Anyone with information should contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B3/LSA of 4 August. Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.