A DISABLED man who was brutally attacked by a group of youths is slowly recovering physically from his ordeal.
But the psychological scars of that fateful night are likely to be with him for months to come, and he is finding it difficult now to leave home on his own, and living in fear of further attack.
And a fresh plea has been issued to catch the thugs who assaulted this vulnerable man.
David Chay, who is deaf and has cerebral palsy, was walking along Coulsdon Road in Caterham on June 10 when five men in their 20s approached him, demanding money.
The 52-year-old victim, who lives in Stanley Street, Caterham, was knocked to the ground.
He suffered four broken teeth, with two more dislodged, and a disjointed nose. He also bit through his top and bottom lip in the fall.
The victim's brother Mark said: "David is looking much better than he did following the attack.
"The scars are gradually healing but emotionally he is not too good. Almost four weeks after the incident he is still worried about going out of the house on his own. This has had a big impact on his life.
"Although we try and reassure him, he can't help fearing the attack will happen again."
Mark, who lives in Edenbridge, branded the assailants as "animals".
He added: "This was a cowardly and brutal attack on a man who is quite obviously disabled."
David's father Noel, who runs The Loft – a bric-a-brac shop and photographic studio in Westway – said: "My son looks much better now – he had blood all over him after the attack.
"But the mental affects of the day will take longer to heal.
"And it will cost thousands of pounds to replace his missing front teeth. David tries to remain cheery, as he always does. The only consolation is his attackers did not have a knife."
The five men are still at large. DC Peter Brayton, from Croydon CID, said: "I would urge anyone with information to come forward."
Witnesses should call Croydon police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
