And Stephen Orford, who suffered a broken cheekbone, fractured shoulder and head injuries in the attack, says he will not feel safe to go outside until the offenders are caught.

Since the attack, the 52-year-old former Royal Engineer, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, can no longer lift his arm and finds it difficult to write or even cook a meal for himself.

He was assaulted by a gang of teenage girls as he walked to the corner shop near his home on Junction Lane at about 6.30pm on June 6.

During a sustained attack - which police describe as completely unprovoked - they launched themselves at him kicking and punching him to the head as he lay helpless on the floor.

Mr Orford said: "They don't realise what they have done to me. My arm is permanently in agony. I have a sling and doctors say it will take at least another two or three months to heal.

"I went outside for the first time since the attack a couple of days ago. I was breathless and I found it hard just walking to the shop.

"I just wish somebody had seen someone and they would come forward. It was in broad daylight."

Stephen's brother John added: "There seems to be gangs of teenage girls causing havoc across Sutton.

"Only a couple of weeks ago I read about a group attacking firefighters while they were trying to their job. I am sure someone must know something."

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.