An 87-year-old school crossing guard has been bashed and robbed by a cowardly thug in shocking attack in Perth.
The elderly traffic warden, named Colin, was packing up after his shift outside Rossmoyne Primary School at about 9am on Tuesday morning when he was pushed to the ground by a young man who then stole his hat and whistle.
The attacker then fled the scene in a black Toyota Prado.
Western Australia Police said the suspect was “described as being aged between 17 and 19 years, approximately 183cm tall, with a dark complexion, a black mullet hairstyle, and was wearing earrings”.
Members of the public rushed to help Colin, who then drove himself to an address nearby before police arranged for him to be taken to hospital for a medical assessment.
“I was shocked. He’s one of the nicest people and always got a smile on his face,” a nearby bottle shop worker told 7News, while a parent picking up their children described him as much loved and “a very good man”.
Mums and teachers from the school then filled in for Colin on Tuesday afternoon, including Aisha Puchert, who used her kids’ Perth Scorchers flags.
Ms Puchert said the attack had shaken the community, which was shocked that it took place in a normally safe neighbourhood.
“It’s really terrible. We love Colin, he’s been here for years. It’s devastating that something like that could happen at all, especially here in Rossmoyne where we think it’s so safe and secure,” she said.
“Thinking something like this could happen here is just absolutely horrible. We don’t want to have to watch our kids with hawk eyes, but it’s not so nice.”
Others locals responded to the attack with anger on social media, with many calling for the legalisation of pepper spray.
Header image: Left, the wanted man (WA Police). Right, Colin the crossing guard (7News).
