A partially blind man was left with severe facial injuries after a alleged attack by two teenagers on Ilkeston Market Place on Tuesday night.
Polic said the 55-year-old man was walking from The Observatory pub towards the Sir John Warren pub just before 7pm when the attack took place.
The attackers, believed to be aged around 15, are alleged to have started shouting abuse at the man and
taunting him about his white stick before proceeding to hit him on the head a number of times. The man was taken to the DRI by ambulance and was said to be severely shaken by the incident.
One of the attackers was wearing a black hooded top and the other was wearing dark clothing. The pair ran off towards the Pimlico area after the attack and police are keen to speak to any witnesses.
A spokesperson from Derbyshire Police said: "A number of people went to the man's aid following the attack and we would like to speak to them."
Sue Naish, chief executive for the Derbyshire Association For The Blind called the attack 'despicable'. She said: "I am absolutely appalled. Anybody who can undertake at will an act against somebody who cannot retaliate is so cowardly.
"Having a visual impairment is something that can happen to any one of us at any time. Surely we want to try and live in a place were we support and care for each other. I've never heard of anything like this before. Thank goodness it's a rare thing."
The man was treated for minor injuries before being released later that night.
Anyone with any information on the incident should call PC Andrew Edwards at Ilkeston Police Station on 0845 123 3333 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A teenager has been arrested in connection with the attack.
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