Dave Rider, 72, pictured, was stabbed and ‘left for dead’ after being attacked in a park on his way home
A great-grandfather was ‘left for dead’ by thugs who beat and stabbed him during an ambush in a park.
Retired window cleaner Dave Rider, 72, was knifed in the stomach after being attacked as he was walking home through Peckham Rye Common.
Police said it was ‘pure luck’ they were not investigating a murder after the brutal attack.
The pensioner had been out with friends in Dulwich when he was robbed by two black males who approached him from behind a toilet at a park café, demanding money.
The men stole his watch, keys and wallet, which contained £80 cash and a lottery ticket, ‘leaving the great-grandfather for dead’, according to his family.
Step-daughter Sharon Chaproniere, 47, told the Evening Standard: ‘He was asked to hand over his money. As he said no he was brutally attacked, stabbed in the abdominal area and beaten black and blue.
‘They then ran off and left him. Thank God he managed to make it out of the park to get help — otherwise he could’ve been left there all night.
‘He is the loveliest man you could ever meet. He is a brilliant dad and a great-grandad. We cannot believe something so tragic has happened.’
Mr Rider, who has more than 30 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was able to struggle to an exit and find help.
He was taken to hospital where he was treated for the stab wounds and is now recovering at home in Peckham.
Pictures of Mr Rider’s wounds have been shared on Facebook as part of an appeal to bring those responsible to justice.
Detective Sergeant Chris Rogers of Southwark CID said: ‘This was an unnecessarily violent attack on a defenceless man. There was absolutely no need whatsoever for this elderly gentlemen to have been brutally attacked for his belongings.
His step-daughter shared pictures of his facial bruising on Facebook to encourage witnesses to come forward
‘It is pure luck that we are not now investigating a murder and it is imperative that these suspects are identified and arrested without delay.’
Police say one suspect is described as a dark skinned black male, 20-30 years old, 6ft tall, of medium build, with a goatee beard and untidy hair. The suspect was of ‘scruffy’ appearance.
Anyone with information should call DS Rogers on 020 7232 6483 or Southwark CID via 101.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.