An elderly man has been left with a fractured rib, after being attacked by a group who were trying to kick his dog.

The 76-year-old was pushed to the ground following an exchange of words with the two men and two women.

The man, who has also been left with a fractured wrist, asked a member of the group to stop when they tried to kick his pet.

After the confrontation one of them pushed the man in the back, causing him to fall over.

The attack took place on the field in Cricket Green, Mitcham, on Friday, March 6 at roughly 4pm.

Despite being in shock, the 76-year-old managed to get back to his feet and was taken by a neighbour to a south London hospital. He has since been discharged.

The two men and two women are all described as black and in their 20s. The man who pushed the pensioner is approximately 5ft 11ins tall with short black hair.

Anyone with information can call Merton CID on 020 8649 3057, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.