AN 85-year-old man was assaulted and mugged in an alleyway on Canvey in the early evening.

The victim’s daughter Susan Nada-Waters told how her family have been left sickened after her father was attacked while walking home from the shop.

She said: “It happened some time between 5pm and 7pm on Saturday.

“He didn’t realise the time and it was dark, but he thought nothing of it because he has been going out on Canvey for 60 years.

“He was walking to the shop in the High Street to get something for his tea and it was on the way back that he was attacked.”

Susan’s father, who has asked to remain anonymous, was walking down an alleyway that connects Canvey’s High Street with Winterswyk Avenue when he was approached from behind.

Susan, who lives in Chelmsford, added: “He didn’t even hear the attacker come up behind him.

“He was pushed to the fence and fell onto his knees.

“The attacker held him down so he couldn’t get back up and then put his hand in my dad’s pocket and took his wallet before running off down the alleyway.

“My dad didn’t even get to see his face or get a good description because he came up from behind him.

“It was such a cowardly attack, preying on someone like that.”

There was not much cash in the wallet, but the suspect took all the victim’s cards and driving licence with his address on.

She added: “The attacker needs to be found because he could be doing it repeatedly to other people.

“He could really hurt someone. My dad is relieved that he wasn’t seriously hurt.

“What’s quite inspirational is that my dad hasn’t let this frighten him or put him off leaving the house.

“He has just said he’s been on Canvey for 60 years and he isn’t going to change now.

“But if this thug preyed on someone a bit more fragile or not in as good health, who knows what could happen.

“They could have a heart attack or the man could pull a knife or something.

“We are absolutely disgusted that someone could do this to an elderly man who has worked hard all his life and is a good person.

“I don’t want to start preaching that people shouldn’t be walking the streets but I just want people to be aware that this man is out there.

“We don’t want this to happen to anyone else.”

If you have information about the incident can they please contact Essex Police on 101 - or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111