A DISABLED man, who was repeatedly punched and mugged after being ambushed in Chelmsford, has told how the kindness of strangers has “restored his faith in humanity".

Last week, Richard Kennedy, 26, who suffers brain damage, said he was set upon by five balaclava clad teenagers who threatened to kill him in an unprovoked attack.

The assault sparked a public response, raising £550 in three days, to help the food bank volunteer replace the money he had lost at the hands of his attackers.

Mr Kennedy, who used to live in Great Baddow but now lives in Harlow, said: “I was in tears of joy, I was so shocked - it’s unbelievable.

“It has put my faith back in humanity.

“It goes to show that there are some really nice people out there as well as silly ones.

“You just have to brush the silly people aside and get on with your life.

“People have tried to get to me, and I’m sure they will try again, but I’ll continue living and they will end up in prison.”

The donations came via a Crowdfunding charity page, secretly set up by “close friend” Sarah Bell, in an attempt to raise £200 following the Monday, February 13 attack.

It happened as he walked from Central Park through the underpass towards Parkway near the railway viaduct at about 11.45am.

The suspects, dressed in black and believed to be in their late teens, stole £85, after pushing Mr Kennedy to the floor then repeatedly punched him in the head and body.

They were seen fleeing back into the park.

Mr Kennedy, who is registered disabled, suffered irreparable damage to his frontal lobe following a city centre assault six years ago.

He said he is prone to suffering frightening seizures when under stress.

It is unknown whether any arrests have been made, however, the Chelmsford Weekly News has approached the police for comment.

Mr Kennedy added: "I only found out about the donations a couple of days ago, the money will help me buy essentials. 

"Thank you."