A disabled Billericay man subjected to a frenzied and unprovoked attack by a 'maniac' in a classic car is lucky to be alive, according to police.

Alan Smart, who suffers from epilepsy and paralysis in his right arm and hand, was attacked at around 8pm on Sunday as he walked home from a shop on Grange Road Parade.

His attacker, who is described as white and in his 30s, jumped from the passenger seat of an old blue Ford Anglia parked at the roadside and without saying a word began raining blows on Mr Smart's face and head.

The victim, who is 48 and lives in the Hickstars Lane area, was taken to Basildon Hospital for treatment. He suffered two black eyes, a broken cheekbone and a broken nose.

Recalling his ordeal, Mr Smart said: "As I was walking to the shop the car caught my eye, and I remember thinking that it was a rather nice old classic car.

"But as I walked back, the passenger, who I have never seen before, got out and he just went berserk. The way he was lashing out, he was like a maniac.

"Maybe he didn't like the look of me or I was in the wrong place at the wrong time."

But according to Sgt Dave Griffiths at Billericay Police Station, the outcome could have been far worse.

He said: "This sort of attack to the head, particularly with the sort of illness that Mr Smart suffers from, can lead to blood clotting and even death in some cases.

"It is a particularly nasty and savage attack which is totally out of character for Billericay."

Police are keen to speak to a group of young people who were near the shops and who may have seen what happened.

Anyone with any information should contact Sgt Griffiths on 01277 631212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Badly beaten: Alan Smart after the attack.

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