Two teenage thugs robbed a 64-year-old man with Parkinson's disease after he visited an Oxford post office to collect benefit payments.

The victim visited Blackbird Leys post office, in Blackbird Leys Road, to receive benefits, including a special cold weather payment, before walking home across Gillians Park.

When he was half-way across the park yesterday afternoon (Wed Nov 24), he sat down on a bench to rest and was grabbed by two youths, both aged about 16.

One stood behind him and held him down, while the other rifled his pockets and took £60.

The youth told his victim: "I know you're sick".

He then snatched the cash, before the teenagers ran off in the direction of Flaxfield Road.

The victim managed to make his way home and his wife called the police.

The man told detectives that his attackers were wearing hooded tops and other casual clothing.

Dc Roy Thornton, of Oxford police's robbery team, based at St Aldate's police station, said: "This was a cruel robbery and it has left this poor man extremely upset.

"These youths realised he had some sort of condition and preyed on him, because they thought it would be hard for him to defend himself.

"They may have been watching him as he visited the post office and hoped that he would have some money on him.

"The attack happened shortly after 2pm, so there may have been some people around who were witnesses."

Anyone with information should call the Oxford police robbery team on 01865 266190.

Witnesses can also leave information anonymously on the Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111.