Key Points
- An 87-year-old man was attacked and robbed outside a Post Office branch on High Street, Ponders End, north London.
- The incident occurred at around 11am last Thursday.
- The victim sustained serious head injuries and remains in a life-threatening condition in hospital.
- CCTV footage captured the moment the pensioner was ambushed after withdrawing money from a cash machine.
- Jaesis Boatswain, 40, of Swan Walk, Enfield, was charged with grievous bodily harm without intent, assault, robbery, and threatening a person with a sharp object.
- Boatswain was remanded into custody and is due to appear at Wood Green Crown Court on December 10.
- Enfield North MP Feryal Clark appealed for witnesses or footage to assist the police investigation.
- The local community expressed shock and concern over rising crime levels in Enfield.
What happened during the robbery outside the Post Office in Ponders End?
According to a detailed report by the Evening Standard, the 87-year-old man was attacked at about 11am last Thursday outside the Post Office branch located on High Street, Ponders End, north London. CCTV footage obtained from the Post Office store shows the victim withdrawing money from a cashpoint machine when an offender suddenly ambushed him.
As reported by a staff member interviewed by the Evening Standard,
“I heard a scream coming from outside when I was behind the counter. By the time I went into the road, there was an old man on the floor.”
The witness added,
“We later saw the CCTV footage and realised what had happened. A guy was standing next to him. When the old man took the money from the ATM, he just grabbed it and the old man fell. Because of his age, he couldn’t stand properly. The guy then ran off.”
The staff member described the incident as “horrible and tragic” and noted that the victim was “well known in the community.” He also stated, “A fall like that would cause significant damage,” highlighting the severity of the assault.
How serious are the injuries sustained by the victim?
The London Ambulance Service attended the scene and took the victim to hospital, where he was found to have head injuries. His condition has since worsened, and medical professionals describe it as life-threatening.
Enfield North MP Feryal Clark expressed deep concern on social media about the victim’s condition. On Facebook, she said,
“Police attended the scene and the victim was taken to hospital. Sadly, his condition has since worsened and is described as life-threatening. My thoughts are with the victim and his loved ones.”
Who has been charged in connection with the attack?
The Evening Standard reports that Jaesis Boatswain, 40, of Swan Walk, Enfield, appeared at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. He is charged with multiple offences including grievous bodily harm without intent, assault, robbery, and threatening a person with a sharp object in public.
Boatswain was remanded into custody and is scheduled to reappear before Wood Green Crown Court on December 10.
What has the community’s response been?
The incident has sparked shock and upset within the local community. Comments on social media from residents revealed widespread anxiety about crime in the area. One user commented,
“The victim is my relative. He’s in a critical state. Hope this person is caught and justice is done.”
Another described the area as “a death threat zone” and lamented,
“It breaks my heart to see Enfield has become a hotspot for crime. Wishing the man a speedy recovery. He must be terrified.”
What are the police and officials asking the public to do?
MP Feryal Clark appealed for witnesses who may have been in Enfield Town or the surrounding area that morning and urged anyone with information or footage that could assist the investigation to come forward. She advised contacting police on 101.
The police continue to investigate the incident to bring the offender to justice and reassure local residents concerned about recent criminal activity.
