AN ELDERLY man was grabbed by a thug and slashed with a knife when he went for an evening walk in Hailsham.
The 74-year-old man was minding his own business at 11.45pm on Sunday (June 24) when a stranger grabbed him from behind and threatened him with a knife.
The victim tried to kick out at his attacker and suffered a deep slash to his left cheek.
He fell to the ground and was later found by a passer-by who flagged down an ambulance. The man was taken to Eastbourne District General Hospital for treatment and he has since been discharged.
Police have appealed for any witnesses after the appalling attack to come forward and help the investigation.
Detective Constable Karen Colbran from East Sussex CID said: “This was an appalling attack on a lone man walking home after a night out.”
She added: “It is still unclear if the attack was part of an attempted robbery and we are continuing with house to house enquiries and viewing CCTV from the area.”
The suspect attacker was a young man of medium build and he wore dark clothing which included a hooded top.
Anyone with information contact police on 101 quoting serial 1622 of June 24 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.