Diplomat Mugged In Cemetery May Lose Sight

Doctors are battling to save the sight of a senior British diplomat who was mugged while walking through a cemetery in west London.

Bermuda's new Governor George Fergusson may lose his vision in his left eye after being attacked by a man in Hammersmith Cemetery, police said.

He received other facial injuries in the assault but managed to walk to a nearby hospital.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "The 56-year-old man was assaulted and robbed at around 7.30pm on Friday, April 20, while walking in Margravine Cemetery and Park, also known as Hammersmith Cemetery.

"He had suffered facial injuries, including a serious injury which threatens the sight in his left eye. He remains in hospital."

He added: "A small quantity of cash was taken and, at this early stage, officers are satisfied that robbery was the only motive.

"Officers from Hammersmith and Fulham Priority Crime Unit are investigating the incident."

It has been reported that Mr Fergusson was taking a short cut through the cemetery to get to a dinner party, and was attacked after getting out his mobile phone to check the address of his hosts.

Mr Fergusson, who lives in Lambeth with his wife, works for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and is due to take up the post of Governor of Bermuda on the tiny British overseas territory later this month.

He has previously served as Governor of the Pitcairn Islands and high commissioner to New Zealand and Samoa.

Police said the suspect is a black male, thought to be aged between 25 and 35, and around 5ft 10in tall. He was wearing a dark hooded top and dark glasses.

They say they have yet make an arrest and inquiries are ongoing.

:: Anyone with information is urged to call Hammersmith and Fulham CID on 020 8246 2413, or details can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.