A disabled man today told of his ordeal after being knocked to the ground in an attack by three thugs.

David Wade, 41, who uses a walking stick and is partially sighted, spent three days in hospital recovering from his injuries.

Mr Wade was waiting for a taxi on New Year's Eve outside the Coach and Horses pub in Barkerend Road, Bradford, when he was jumped on by the three men. He was punched and kicked to the floor and the robbers made off with cash, jewellery and a mobile phone.

Mr Wade has been paralysed since he was four, when he was hit by a car and suffered a fractured skull.

He said today: "I was waiting for a taxi and these men pulled up in a car. The next thing I remember was waking up in Bradford Royal Infirmary."

Mr Wade had been celebrating the New Year at the pub and the attack took place some time between 12.30 and 12.45am on January 1. He was treated at BRI and discharged on Sunday.

"I have been very upset and shaken following the attack," said Mr Wade, of Greystone Crescent, Thorpe Edge, Bradford.

"They hit me in my face and stomach and knocked me to the ground."

His wife Lorraine, 46, said her husband had been left extremely shocked following the attack.

She said: "David is frightened of going out of the house now. I think it's disgusting that these people could do this to a disabled person. David's brothers, who were in the pub, came out and found him on the ground."

The men were all travelling in a gold-coloured car. One of the men is described as of Asian appearance, tall, slim, with short black hair.

Anyone who has any information about the attack should contact Bradford Central police on (01274) 376085 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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