Lollipop man, 82, left shaken after 'senseless attack'

An 82-year-old lollipop man had his stick wrenched from his grasp in what detectives have called a “senseless” attack.

The pensioner had been helping schoolchildren across the road in Coventry, England, when an assailant walked up to him and grabbed the stick pulling the older man to the ground.

West Midlands Police has released footage (see below) of the incident in a bid to trace a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident, in Humber Avenue, on January 21.

Detectives said the lollipop man, who had been doing the job for 14 years, has been too distressed to return to work since his stick was snatched.

A member of the public, who saw what happened, later confronted a man carrying the lollipop sign and got it back.

Detective Inspector Gareth Mason said: “The pensioner has done this job for over 14 years and he was not prepared to just hand over his treasured crossing sign.

“He refused to let go and ended up in a struggle with his assailant, ultimately leading to the robber pushing his elderly victim to the floor before running off with the lollipop stick.

“This is a particularly senseless offence against an elderly man, who is carrying out a public duty.”

He said the victim suffered injuries to his left side during the episode and is “devastated” not to be able to return to work.

Mr Mason added: “We are determined to identify the offender and request the help of the local community or anybody who witnessed the offence.”

Police want to trace a white man described as around 6ft 2in tall, of athletic build, in his late 20s to early 30s, with bushy or thick hair. He was wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information should call police in England on 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.