DETECTIVES are "very encouraged" by the response to a Crimewatch appeal for information about the attempted murder of Gary Hayward.
The program, aired on Monday evening, featured a reconstruction of the assault on Gary, 29, and his father John, on October 2, 2011, in Central Parade, New Addington.
Following the appeal, Detective Inspector Simon Harding said: "We are very encouraged by the calls that came in. We have been contacted by witnesses who hadn't previously come forward and we have had names of suspects given to us.
"Further calls have also come in since BBC Crimewatch went off-air and we are now in the process of following them up."
A reward of £20,000 is available for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for the assault on Gary, then aged 27.
He suffered devastating head injuries after being hit with pieces of wood and metal poles and, 18 months on, requires full-time care in a specialist rehabilitation centre.
Anyone who witnessed the attack or with information should contact Croydon CID on 020 3276 2264 or call Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.For the latest news on the investigation see this week's Croydon Advertiser, out on Friday (May 3)
