World War Two hero battered by thug on way home from visiting wife’s grave in road rage attack
Alfred Irons was left bloodied and missing teeth after he was dragged out of his car by a thug in a van
A SECOND World War veteran was left bloodied by an unprovoked road rage attack on the way home from his wife’s grave.
A shaved-headed thug stopped his van on the other side of crossroads, opened 87-year-old Alfred Irons’ door then started smacking the pensioner.
The thug smashed the petrified pensioner twice in the face knocking out four of his teeth, then tried to drag him out of his black Vauxhall.
Former Lancaster bomber engineer Mr Irons was gripped so tightly the hand marks ripped his skin.
The lout then took out the RAF veteran's keys and launched them into a bush, trapping the victim at the scene.
Police are now hunting for the heartless sicko responsible for the broad daylight attack, which took place as Alfred returned from late wife Doreen’s grave.
The victim said: “I didn’t know what was happening, I was just sitting there waiting for the lights to change.
“I didn’t even have time to be scared, suddenly the door opened. I had no chance.
“I just turned round and he smashed me in the face. He hit me two times. He grabbed my arm so hard there were marks on it and I started bleeding.
“If I could have got out I would have had real fight with him.”
Shocked witnesses help the victim home after the savagery and incredibly he escaped without serious injuries.
The attack took place in Alfred’s home village, Nazeing, Essex, after he returned from the cemetery in Chingford. Doreen died on her 80th birthday last year.
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Disgusted daughter Julie, a managing director, said: “It’s horrible to think someone could do that to an old man.
“I just want everyone to know what a vile human being the person who did this is.
“The only time he goes out is to visit my mum’s gave and it has stripped him of that.
“He can’t even go to his wife’s grave, I’m sickened.”
Essex Police confirmed it is investigating the savage attack which took place on Saturday (September 24). Officers suspect the thug was in his 60s.
A spokesman said: “The victim, aged in his 80s, was stationary at traffic lights at the junction of Middle Street, Nazeing Road, North Street and St Leonards Road at around 1.30pm on Saturday, September 24.
"A man in a van behind walked up to his car, opened the door, grabbed his arm and punched him. He is also reported to have grabbed the victim’s car keys and thrown them away.
"The suspect is described as white, aged in his late 60s to 70s, of slim build with grey hair. He wore a pale green polo neck top.”