The youngest daughter of a 71-year-old stabbing victim has said she was distraught when she heard the news of the attack.

Now she says more needs to be done to protect residents from similar attacks.

Leslie Vassell was stabbed in the cheek on Tuesday in an apparently unprovoked attack in Blackhorse Lane, Croydon.

His daughter said her whole family was devastated when they heard the news.

“He's a harmless 71-year-old singer,” she said.

“He’s had no problems with anybody and he is loved in the community.”

Now she wants something done so that other families don’t have to go through the same feeling of devastation.

“It's not safe in Croydon anymore,” she said.

“There's been too many similar incidents happening to the residents of the area.

“We need more safety."

Mr Vassell is at home recovering, but is still shaken from the attack, she said.

“I think he wanted to kill someone that day,” Mr Vassell said.

“He just came up behind me and stabbed me in the face with such force that it went through my jaw.

“I have to look over my shoulder now when I’m walking.

“That mad man needs finding.”

Police are also investigating another allegation of assualt that took place three days after Mr Vassell was attacked.

A police spokesperson confirmed: "There is an investigation into an allegation of assault on Portland Road, Friday, July 21.

"At 11.10pm, a 31-year-old man was assaulted by a male who made off from the scene on a bicycle.

"The suspect was described as a black male.

"We are keeping an open mind as to whether these incidents are linked."

Mr Vassell - an international reggae artist by the name Johnny Orlando - said his livelihood will now have to be put on hold because of the attack.

“It’s going to affect my voice now,” he said.

“But I’m strong and at some point, will be ready to go back on stage.

“It’s not going to stop me.”

Most of all, Mr Vassell is just thankful he lived to see another day.

“But I’m still here.”

The suspect is described as a black man, possibly aged between 20 and 40 years who had been riding a pedal cycle.

Any witnesses or anyone with information relating to the incident is asked to call DS Hinton at Croydon CID on 07769 922321 or via 101.

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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