What is equally upsetting is the number of car drivers who turned a blind eye and did not stop while this vile assault was carried out in broad daylight at 4.30pm. And by the side of a busy road.

After all this was a man who walks with a distinct limp and suffers epilepsy.

And whose only crime was to be in the wrong place at the wrong time as he made his way to a chemist for drugs to treat his illnesses.

David Wade was strangled and kicked with such force he temporarily blacked out. His ordeal only ended when two girls in the four strong group called off their male friends after realising he was carrying no money.

Words cannot describe what should happen to the miserable wretches who were involved and who, according to Mr Wade, were laughing as they beat him up.

Even the police described the crime as "despicable".

No punishment is too great. Let us just hope and pray they are caught.
Should we really be surprised either that no-one stopped their car and came to Mr Wade's assistance? Probably not.

Only a very brave or stupid person would get involved in a situation of this sort now, given the number of attacks with knives that happen on our streets.

The era of the knight in shining armour may well be a thing of the past.
A sorry state of affairs, but sadly the way it is.