The mother of a man left fighting for his life after a vicious assault in New Addington has spoken for the first time about the attack.

Gary Hayward remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital after suffering severe head injuries in the attack on Sunday, October 2.

The 28-year-old's father was also injured in the incident, in Central Parade, but has since been discharged from hospital.

Mr Hayward's mother, who does not want to be named, said before this incident, her ex-husband had been being terrorised by youths for months, calling him names and shining lights into his flat.

She said: "In February he was run over with a moped and broke his leg."

The incident on Sunday unfolded after a trip to the shop, she said.

"On Sunday, he went to the shop to get some food and he called me to say he was being attacked, so my son immediately went down there," she said.

"It was only about five boys to start with, then more turned up.

"He had gone over to help his dad and we were calling for him to come back.

"Those responsible attacked my boy. I want to make that clear."

Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with the incident.

A 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested on Monday on suspicion of GBH.

On Tuesday, a second 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of GBH and attempted murder.

Both youths have been bailed until early November.