A gay man, beaten to a pulp in a homophobic attack outside his own home, this week revealed he has been the target of a hate campaign in New Addington.

Robert Baldwin, 29, is living in fear on the estate after he was ambushed by the three men on Lodge Lane last month.

Mr Baldwin, who cannot work due to his learning difficulties, had his teeth knocked out and was forced to have stitches in his head after he was kicked unconscious on October 25 just after 4.30pm.

But the unprovoked attack did not come as a complete surprise to Mr Baldwin as this, he says, is the latest in a long line of harassment incidents he has endured in his six years of living in New Addington.

He told the Guardian: "I've had bricks thrown through my window and abuse hurled at me in the street.

"On October 25 I was followed by three white men in a van kerb crawling behind me a few hours before the attack.

"I've been hounded out of three council flats so I was almost expecting this, but I was shocked at how violent it was."

He added: "I don't remember much about the attack itself, just that I was kicked into a corner by three white men and then I blacked out.

"When I came to, I realised that a set of house keys were missing from my jacket pocket I don't know my attackers took them but I've not been spending much time here.

"I would get the locks changed but this is a council property and I'm waiting for them to do it."

Mr Baldwin's shocked mother said: "I was terrified when I saw what they did to him. His injuries have calmed down a bit now but when it first happened he looked horrendous."

Baldwin, a placid, softly-spoken man, who spent most of the interview petting his four cats, is desperate to leave the area.

He added: "I want to live in a place were people are more tolerant. I've applied to be transferred to Brighton and the council say I'm on a waiting list but this takes time."

DC Peter Brayton from the community safety unit at Croydon Police said: "I am aware of the problems Mr Baldwin is experiencing in New Addington but we hope these are just views of a minority of people up there.

"This was a particularly nasty attack and we know that Mr Baldwin has applied for a transfer to move elsewhere, which I totally support."

Anyone with information should contact DC Baryton on 020 8649 1365.

November 15, 2001 09:30