A defiant grandad, who was mugged after collecting his 18-month-old grandson from nursery, refuses to be scared about doing the school run.

Ilford Recorder: Grandfather was mugged after picking up his grandson from a Wanstead nurseryGrandfather was mugged after picking up his grandson from a Wanstead nursery (Image: Archant)

Dr Chita Sengupta, 79, was pushing grandson Ezra in his pram in Spratt Hall Road, Wanstead, when he was shoved on to the floor by hooded youths.

The thugs took his wallet, containing his freedom pass and library card, right in front of Ezra, but did not take any money.

“I was very shocked and upset to have been a victim of this,” said Dr Sengupta, of Redbridge Lane East, Redbridge.

“I was lucky I was with my grandson as I felt more confident as I had to be strong for him.

“I’m not scared of being attacked again, just angry that someone had the audacity to try and take my wallet when they could see I was with a baby.

“It just shows what kind of people they were and we cannot rationalise with them.”

Dr Sengupta also wanted to warn fellow residents to stay “vigilant”.

When the attack happened, on October 17, the grandad’s first thoughts were for Ezra, and he said he was concerned about the toddler after he fell on to the pram.

The 18-month old was thankfully “oblivious to it all” and did not sustain any injuries,

“I am very glad that he was with me otherwise I think I would feel a lot more scared and shaken by this,” he added.

Ezra’s mum, Debashrita, of Wanstead, said she was pleased no one was hurt.

“People need to be vigilant and not have items on show,” she added.

No arrests have been made and inquiries continue.