Police are hunting a Tottenham teenager who tried to rob an elderly pensioner and left him needing treatment for head injuries.

The attack on the 80-year-old man, who was using a walking stick near the Welbourne Play Centre at the junction of Monument Way and Stainby Road, happened at approximately 5.30pm on June 28.

A cyclist approached the victim and tried to grab a gold chain from his neck, causing the elderly man to fall face first to the ground. He was left with a large cut to his forehead and other cuts to his face.

The victim required treatment at North Middlesex Hospital, but is now recovering from his injuries at home.

The suspect, who cycled off empty-handed, is described as a slim, light-skinned black man, 16-17 years old, clean shaven and with a crew cut hairstyle.

Trainee Detective Constable Gemma Goldsbro, of Haringey CID, called the assault “an appaling attack on a vulnerable gentleman”.

She added: “We know that the Welbourne Play Centre was busy with parents and children at the time of the attempted robbery and I appeal directly to them and to anyone else that was in the area to contact us with information.”