The hunt is on for two cowardly robbers who repeatedly hit a man with his own walking stick before making off with his cigarettes and £4.

The 55-year-old had left his local supermarket near the Grahame Park Estate when he was approached by the pair who demanded he hand over his money.

When he told them he had none they snatched his walking aid and hit him twice on his legs and again on the side of his body.

One robber took the man’s cigarettes and lighter while the other searched his cardigan pockets and stole the £4 he had in loose change.

The men, who are described as black with African accents and wearing black hooded tops and black baseball caps, ran off along Corner Mead Road, after the attack on January 29 at 4pm.

Any witnesses or with information could call Barnet Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.