A 23-year-old Polish man was beaten unconscious by muggers and left paralysed from the neck down in Tooting at the weekend.

The unprovoked attack took place on Tooting Graveney Common, just off Elmbourne Road, on Sunday at 4pm while the man, who is staying in Shepherds Bush while visiting the UK, was out walking.

Three black men, one wearing a red zip-up jumper, confronted the man, who hardly speaks any English, near the park's pond and demanded his mobile phone.

A struggle then ensued as the three men viciously attacked the young man before fleeing with the his wallet, containing cash and his passport.

The victim was left bleeding and unconscious for over two hours before an unknown male passer-by called for an ambulance at about 6.30pm. No witnesses have yet come forward.

The man was rushed to St George's Hospital, Tooting, where doctors found his neck broken in three places and other severe spinal damage.

Though regaining consciousness on Monday, he could not move his head or arms and remains in a stable condition. Doctors say it is too early to say whether he will suffer permanent disabilities.

Police from Wandsworth CID interviewed the man on Monday but say details of the incident and the attackers are still sketchy because of his language difficulties. St George's have provided Polish interpreters to help with the investigation.

It is not known if there was any exchange between the man and his attackers but police have ruled out a racial motive for the mugging.

Detective Sergeant David Wright, who is leading the investigation, said police wanted to hear from anyone in the vicinity of the common between 3pm and 6.30pm on Sunday.

He added: "This is a vicious and unprovoked attack that resulted in very serious injuries for the victim.

"The level of violence used and the callous nature in which the victim was left suggest the suspects are dangerous men.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen someone acting suspiciously or who may have seen the suspects fleeing the scene. The smallest piece of information may greatly assist us."

Phone DS Wright at Wandsworth CID on 020 8247 8888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with information.

July 12, 2002 10:30