A VETERAN paratrooper has spoken of the “nightmares'' he has been suffering since being robbed at knifepoint.

James Hore

A VETERAN paratrooper has spoken of the “nightmares'' he has been suffering since being robbed at knifepoint.

Colin Dunn, 75, had been out enjoying a night out with friends at the Victory pub in Walton-on-the-Naze before getting a taxi back to nearby Frinton.

As he made his way home between midnight and 1am he was approached by two men and a woman in Frietuna (CRT) Road at its junction with Elm Tree Avenue.

They demanded his wallet and when he refused they punched him in the face. He was also threatened with a knife which caused wounds to his hands as he defended himself.

The would-be robbers then left him on the ground unconscious during the attack in the early hours of Thursday October 29.

Detectives investigating the vicious assault have released a photograph of Mr Dunn's injuries in the hope it may convince someone to come forward with information about the people responsible.

Mr Dunn, who used to own his own building company, told the EADT he had been constantly waking up in the night after dreaming about the attack.

"I was about 20 feet along Elm Tree Avenue when this woman confronted me and said 'if you don't give me your f'in money you are going to get seriously hurt'.

"Another chap came up, but I whacked him in the ribs and doubled him over and then hit him in the face which sent him spinning back.

"He did not realise a 75-year-old could be so strong but then I was attacked from behind," he said.

Mr Dunn, who served with seventh battalion of the elite force, said he was knocked out but came round after about half an hour.

"I started walking home but thought they were following me - I knocked on about three doors but it was 2am so no-one answered.

"I have not been sleeping that well since - I keep waking up as all I can see is this guy coming towards me with what looks like a big bat in his hand."

Mr Dunn comes from Billericay but had been staying with friends in Kirby Cross, near Frinton.

The first attacker was white, about 6ft with jet black hair which was spiked and had a pale complexion. He was wearing a black jacket with the collar up and dark trousers and was about 30.

The second man was also white, shorter than the other man, thick set and in his 30s. He was also dressed in dark clothing.

The woman was white and in her 40s

Detective Constable Kevin Ford said: “This was an attack on an elderly man by three people intent on theft.

“I find it absolutely despicable how someone could do this and I would appeal to anyone who may know anything, however small, to come forward so we can get Mr Dunn the justice he deserves.”

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact Clacton CID on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.