AN elderly man was knocked unconscious by an early hours caller.
Police were called at 3.05am on Thursday (July 10) to an address in Grindon Lane, Sunderland, where they found the 66-year-old victim with head cuts.
He was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital where he received stitches.
It is believed the man answered a knock at his door from a man asking for cigarettes.
He invited the caller in and after a conversation the resident was assaulted with his own metal crutch, which knocked him out.
When the injured man came round the attacked had gone and he went to a neighbour's home for help and the emergency services were called.
The offender is described as wearing a greenish jacket and is believed to be from the Ryhope area.
Detective Sergeant Barbara Hutchinson, said: "We are appealing for help from the public to find the person responsible for this assault on a vulnerable man.
Anyone with information should call Northumbria Police on 101, extension 69191, quoting log number 120 of 10/07/14, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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