A SEVERELY disabled man was the target of a vicious street robbery in Eastleigh - and then had his legs whacked with a cricket bat when he refused to hand over cash.

Thirty-five-year-old Simon Charnley, who suffers from cerebral palsy and is confined to an electric wheelchair, was on his way back to his home after visiting a friend when a teenage thug confronted him and demanded cash.

When Simon refused, the youth smashed a cricket bat across the disabled man's legs causing severe bruising.

Today police praised Simon's courage, labelled the attack "despicable" and appealed for information from the public in a bid to catch the yob.

Simon told the Daily Echo: "I was very frightened. When I saw the bat I thought he was going to hit me round the head with it. I had my arm on my bag but he didn't move out of the way. I don't know how I did it."

After the attack in Shakespeare Road, Eastleigh, the thug ran off and Simon turned his electric wheelchair up to full speed to get home.

"I don't think he is right in the head and I blame the parents," said Simon.

"But I'm worried that he might do it to someone else because there are a lot of disabled people who use that road. I'd like to see him caught before he does any more damage."

Simon added: "I like to lead as normal a life as possible but this has frightened me. Now, I will be looking behind me."

Staff at the supported housing complex where Simon lives are planning to accompany him on further outings until he is able to regain his confidence.

But the courageous victim said: "I don't want to lose my independence. I will be worried at first but they won't win!"

Manager of the supported housing complex Kim Suther-land was appalled when Simon managed to tell her what had happened.

She said: "I just can't believe someone would do something like that. It is so unfair because over the years Simon has built on his independence. For someone to do this has just set him back. However, he is determined and, with staff support I do believe he will get back to that stage."

Speaking of Simon's attacker she added: "I just hope he gets caught because he doesn't deserve to get away with it."

Police Inspector Paul Newstead described the assault as "despicable" and pledged: "We will do everything that we can to apprehend the person responsible - he should feel thoroughly ashamed."

Praising Simon, Insp Newstead added: "He showed a very brave and plucky response to an extremely unpleasant experience."

The assault happened at 1.10pm on Sunday. Police are appealing for anyone with information that may assist their inquiry to contact Eastleigh police station on 0845 045 4545.