A 79-YEAR-OLD man is fighting for his life after being attacked and robbed as he rode his mobility scooter through a park.

Robbers smacked the man over the back of the head before stealing more than £1,000 from him in Northlands Park, Pitsea.

He was taken to Basildon Hospital with a bleed on the brain where he remains in a life threatening condition.

Detectives are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Det Insp Jasmine Frost said: "This is a serious incident involving a vulnerable gentleman in our community.

"Northlands Park would have been busy at the time this incident occurred, on a Sunday morning, and we are keen to hear from anyone who saw the victim before or after this attack took place, anyone looking suspicious in the area at the time or indeed anyone who witnessed the robbery itself.

"Fortunately serious incidents such as this are extremely rare but where they do occur we will do our utmost to ensure we catch those responsible and bring them to justice.”

The incident happened after the victim, who is from Pitsea, parked his car in Ashlyns, got on to his mobility scooter and headed into Northlands Park via the footpath on Parkside.

As the victim headed to the park’s pavilion he was hit over the head by two men, knocking him off his scooter and to the ground.

The pair then fled with a four figure sum of money the victim was carrying.

The victim managed to make it back to his car, before driving home and raising the alarm.

He was taken to Basildon Hospital by paramedics where it was established he had a bleed on the brain.

He remains in Basildon Hospital where his condition is described as life threatening.

Detectives investigating the robbery are now keen to hear from any witnesses in the park at the time who may have valuable information

Police currently have no description of the robbers other than they were two men.

Witnesses to the robbery, which happened at 9.50am on Sunday April 19, can contact detectives on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.