A disabled charity worker was today recovering from two severe epileptic fits after being set upon by thugs.

Two men tossed away Derek Chittenden's walking stick before dragging him to the ground and standing on his face.

They then booted him in the stomach as they rifled through his pockets and ripped precious rings from his fingers.

Mr Chittenden, who runs the Basildon Bird Rescue Service, crawled home where he had two bad fits and had to be rushed to hospital.

Speaking at his house in Basildon, the 51-year-old said: "What the men did to me is just so low. It's low to do it to a normal person or an OAP, but to attack a disabled person who can't defend himself is just not fair."

Mr Chittenden had taken his dog, Ben, out for a late night walk to the play area opposite his home when he was attacked.

The men silently crept up behind him and covered his eyes to protect their identities. They then viciously laid into him as they tried to find something worth stealing.

When they discovered Mr Chittenden had no wallet they took his gold rings, which had gerat sentimental value. One spelled out "Dad" and the other was a 1947 King George sovereign ring, a present from his daughter.

The thieves tried to steal their victim's watch but determined dog Ben grabbed it in his mouth and wouldn't let go.

Mr Chittenden, who is partially paralysed, was left badly shocked but really began to suffer when he got home.

He said: "I came out of one fit and went straight into another. I was taken to hospital by ambulance but I don't remember anything about it."

Mr Chittenden has now begun a campaign to get better street lighting on his estate and large hedgerows cut back.

He said: "There are very few lights and I think that's why I didn't see the men before they attacked me."

A Basildon Council spokesman said: "Mr Chittenden has been in contact with the council about this unfortunate incident.

"We are installing some new lamp columns in the nearby area and are quite happy to meet him on site and discuss any issues with him."

Police are investigating the attack, which happened at 1.20am yesterday, and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The two robbers are described as white and in their early 20s with dark collar-length hair and local accents.

Information to Det Con Kelly Offord at Pitsea CID on 01268 584212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Shaken up - Derek Chittenden

Picture: ANDY PALMER

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