BBC's Crimewatch is filming in New Addington tonight as part of a new appeal into a vicious assault which left a man in a coma.

Gary Hayward, a father of three, was viciously beaten trying to protect his dad from a gang of youths armed with metal poles and baseball bats, in Central Parade, New Addington, on October 2, 2011.

His father John suffered head injuries in the attack, but was discharged from hospital a few days later.

Following some time in a coma, Mr Hayward, a father-of-three who had lost sight in one eye in the attack, appeared to be recovering when he tripped going to the toilet last November.

His condition deteriorated and he underwent a second operation to remove fluid from his brain.

He is now blind in one eye, unable to talk and requires full time care in a rehabilitation centre.

Police are launching a fresh appeal through BBC’s Crimewatch and TV crews are filming a reconstruction of the attack this evening.

The filming is due to go on until the early hours of the morning.

The appeal is set to be shown on the BBC show within weeks.

New Addington’s Safety Neighbourhood office will be open throughout the evening in case the reconstruction jogs anyone’s memories about the incident.

Councillor Tony Pearson, who will be attending the reconstruction, said he hopes it will encourage people to come forward.

“If the reconstruction does trigger any memories people can go and talk to officers in the SNT office.

“The community worked so hard when Tia Sharp went missing we want that same community spirit and enthusiasm to help solve the case of Gary Hayward.

“We want to keep it in people’s minds.”