An elderly man was robbed and then beaten with his own walking stick as he walked home from Harrow Town Centre on Saturday October 7.

Police in Harrow have launched an appeal for information after the 75-year-old was attacked when he was approached from behind at around 8.10pm as he walked in St John's Road after shopping in the town.

According to police, the suspect demanded that the man hand over his phone.

The walking stick was then taken from the pensioner and used to beat him around the neck, chest and arms.

West London headlines

The suspect then dropped the stick and made off with the smartphone in hand in the direction of Harrow Town Centre.

After initially making his way home, the victim went to hospital for treatment later that day.

The victim was treated in hospital

Detective Constable Joe MacDonald, of Harrow CID, said: "The level of violence used against an elderly man walking home from the supermarket is despicable."

He added: "It hardly needs stating that the attack was callous and cowardly.

According to police the victim was beaten with his own walking stick

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

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

Police are urging anyone with information relating to the incident to call Harrow CID on 101 or those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Keep up to date with the latest news in west London via the free getwestlondon app.

You can set up your app to see all the latest news and events from your area, plus receive push notifications for breaking news.

Available to download from the App Store or Google Play for Android .