CCTV footage has been released of a pensioner being viciously karate-kicked to the floor and stamped on by two thugs at a Wolverhampton bus station.
The mindless attack – which ended with a horrific two-footed stamp on the chest - left the elderly man unconscious.
West Midlands police released footage of the attack in the hope someone will recognise the offenders give them information that will lead to an arrest.
The man appears to be drunk and seen talking to passers-by in the bus station.
But the police stressed that even if he’d said something offensive, there was no excuse for the attack.
Investigating officer, Sergeant Adrian Brown from the Safer Travel Police Team, said: “The elderly man is seen wandering through the bus station...he looks unsteady on his feet and may well be drunk.
“The footage shows him talking to people in the station and it appears the offenders have taken objection to whatever he was saying.
“But no matter what he said there is absolutely no excuse for the punishment they mete out on what is a vulnerable, defenceless victim. He is kicked to the floor and, whilst prone on the ground, another man jumps in the air and stamps on his chest.
“Both attackers run off leaving the victim unconscious on the floor before other members of the public come to his aid and call for an ambulance.
“It’s a sickening, cowardly attack and I’d urge anyone who believes they recognise the men, or has any information about the assault, to contact us.”
The karate kicker is described as a black male in his late teens or early 20s and of slim, muscular build.
He was wearing a distinctive black top with a Smurf character on the front and the word “Nerd”. He was carrying a gold, draw-string JD Sports bag over his shoulder.
His accomplice is described as a lighter-skinned black male with closely-cut afro-style hair; he was wearing a three-quarter length black jacket with the collar up and a pair of white headphones.
Sgt Brown, added: “We’ve been unable to identify the victim, who we believe is local, and would be keen to hear from anyone who knows or recognises him. He was left unconscious and it’s possible he may not even remember being assaulted.”
The incident occurred at around 8pm on Saturday 15 September.
Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.