A mugger who savagely attacked an 81-year-old man in Colchester escaped with just £4 in loose change.

Doug Bell - still in hospital after attack. 41028-2

Second World War veteran Doug Bell suffered a dislocated shoulder, a fractured cheekbone and severe bruising in the attack, and remains in Colchester General Hospital.

Mr Bell was attacked as he walked back to his car, which was parked near Leisure World, after a computer lesson at Otley College in North Station Road.

Mr Bell, an electrical engineer who served with the Royal Naval Air Service, only had about £4 in coins on him, which was taken along with keys and bank cards.

The attacker, who may have been accompanied by another man, fled towards Castle Park.

The attack happened between 6.30pm and 7pm on Thursday in an overflow car park for Leisure World and Megabowl in Cowdray Avenue.

Anyone with information should call Colchester police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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Published Monday, February 14, 2005

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