A TERRIFIED disabled man was kicked to the floor and had hearing aids ripped from his ears by robbers who struck on a secluded path.

Paul Tokarski, 37, who suffers from cerebral palsy, has asthma and is deaf, was attacked and had his MP3 music player stolen as he completed the paper round he does to earn extra money for his family.

They said they were desperate to catch those responsible for the attack, in Accrington.

Mr Tokarski, of Mount Street, Accrington, said: "I was so scared and after they knocked me to the floor I just curled up in a ball to stop them hurting me.

"They kept punching and kicking me and I could feel their hands all over me checking my pockets."

After finding an Alba MP3 player the gang of four men fled, taking with the hearing aids, although one was later found at the scene.

Mr Tokarski's wife, Sheila, 56, said that his whole family, including three stepchildren, had been left outraged by the incident.

She said: "We just can't believe this has happened. I think they just saw Paul as an easy target. He looks quite frail and shakes a lot when he walks.

"It is disgusting that anyone could even think of attacking him and even more sickening that they took his hearing aids."

The incident happened between 6am and 6.30am on Tuesday when Mr Tokarski was about to start his daily round. As he walked along the cycle track between Mount Street and Manchester Road he was approached by four men.

Police said one of the gang knocked him to the floor while the others repeatedly kicked him.

Det Con Mark Cruise said: "This was a cowardly attack on a vulnerable man and I urge anyone with information to come forward.

"These offenders have preyed on a man who was unable to fight back and he was left with cuts and bruises and was extremely distressed by the ordeal."

A spokesman for Scope, the disabled charity, said: "Criminals who target the vulnerable people in society are clearly cowards and clearly heartless."

Det Con Cruise added: "I appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area around Mount Street and Manchester Road to contact the police.

"We are also aware of four males who were seen shortly after the incident on Marsden Street, Accrington, and I appeal to anyone who saw these men to come forward."

Anyone with information should contact Accrington CID on 01254 353741 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.