Two businessmen have chipped in to replace £80 cash that was stolen from an elderly Weymouth man in a brazen daylight robbery.

The owner of Alf’s Fish and Chips in Chickerell Road, John Pearce, has given £40 of his own money to the 69-year-old victim who was attacked in Wyke Regis earlier this month.

Mr Pearce’s generous offer has been matched by Pete McKernan, the owner of Wyke Window Cleaning Services.

The donations follow an appeal by Dorset Police for witnesses and information after an elderly Wyke Regis man was attacked at 5.30pm on Thursday, August 6, in Shrubbery Lane.

The man had been walking home when he was struck on the back of the neck by what is believed to be more than one assailant.

The attackers then stole £80 from their victim and fled as he lay helpless on the floor.

A Dorset Police spokesman said the victim, who did not wish to be identified, suffered scratches to his face and was ‘understandably shocked and upset’.

Mr Pearce, who is well-known for helping elderly people in the community with donations of food and help in funding day trips, said: “I just felt it was disgusting that an old man could be attacked like that and I felt sorry for him.

“I think a lot of our customers feel the same way – they come in and share their points of view on things like that.”

Mr McKernan, who established his business last year, echoed John’s condemnation.

He said: “I don’t think it’s right that people go round attacking older people.

“I grew up in Wyke Regis and I don’t like the thought of the area getting a bad press, so I wanted to do something to help if I could.”

Inspector Pete Meteau of Weymouth Police has praised Mr Pearce and Mr McKernan for their generosity and issued a fresh appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

He said: “PC David Frampton is still appealing for witnesses to this robbery to come forward.”

Insp Meteau added that anyone who saw the crime take place or who has information about those involved should contact Weymouth Police on 01305 222222 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.