FORMER policeman Brian Lawrence was left with broken ribs and a fractured wrist by a mugger in Kingsholm.
The 61-year-old said he had lost confidence in going out alone since he was attacked while walking home from the Station Hotel.
He is now recovering from the ordeal at home in Clapham Court after a short stay in Gloucestershire Royal Hospital following the attack last week.
"I thought it was someone messing about at first," he said. "As I went around the corner into Alvin Street he grabbed me from behind and wrestled me to the ground.
"He knelt on top of me and put his knee between my shoulder blades to pin me down. I couldn't move."
Brian, who spent more than 10 years in the county's police force, had his hip replaced last summer and uses a walking stick.
He says the mugger saw him as "easy prey".
"I tried to kick him but I couldn't move," he said.
"I never used to be scared. Now I am very wary. It has shaken me up."
The mugger grabbed Brian's shopping bag, which contained alcohol and cigarettes, as well as £300 in cash which he had withdrawn to pay his rent.
Brian's attacker was white, in his 50s, 5ft 7ins tall, stocky, with grey hair and wearing black clothes.
Former Bishop's Cleeve beat officer Brian has helped police to create an e-fit.
Retired Detective Inspector Paul Menhinick, who specialises in putting together e-fits, worked with Brian to create the image.
"The e-fit technology has come on a lot since Brian was in the police," he said.
"We try and sit down with the victim as soon as we can after an incident while it is still fresh in their mind.
"If someone can recognise the image, that can eliminate other suspects.
"I normally ask the victim what mark they would give the e-fit out of 10 for likeness.
"Brian gave an eight. We are quite happy about that.
"It is possible this man lives in the vicinity.
"Releasing images helps raise the profile of crime and then it can be dealt with by police."
Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is urged to call 101, quoting incident 455 of March 28.
