A FUND set up for a 4ft 6in frail and visually impaired man who was mugged outside his house has passed the £100,000 mark.

Beautician Katie Cutler, who set up the page to help Alan Barnes, said people from all over the world had contributed to the fund, which had an initial target of just £500.

On her fundraising page, Katie said: "Alan is too frightened to return to his home so with the help of his sister he's looking for new accommodation.

"I'm trying to raise £500 for Alan which will help him towards the cost of relocating in order for him to feel safe and carry on with his life."

Police have appealed for information to catch the "cowardly" who fled empty-handed after attacking the 67-year-old, as he put out his bins in Low Fell, Gateshead, on Sunday.

Mr Barnes broke his collar bone when he was shoved over. The attacker demanded money and went through his pockets, but fled when Mr Barnes told him he had none and called for help.

Mr Barnes has lived with disabilities from birth after his mother contracted German measles when she was pregnant.

Detective Constable Chris Neil, of Gateshead CID, said: "This was a cowardly assault on a vulnerable man who wasn't able to defend himself.

"His disability means he is partially sighted and quite short and it's disgraceful that someone would target him.

"The victim is quite a well-known man in the area and this has left him extremely distressed.

"We're doing everything we can to trace the suspect and I would urge anyone who saw this attempted robbery or who has information about the person responsible to get in touch."

Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police on 101.

To contribute to the fund, visit http://www.gofundme.com/l0dt9o