THE distraught family of a man who was beaten up in London is desperate to make contact with his father.

Ian Read, 35, is seriously ill in Putney Hospital for Neurological Injuries in London after the attack.

His mother, Pat Martin, contacted the Adver in the hope that somebody in Swindon might know the whereabouts of her ex-husband Gary.

Gary James Reid worked as a firefighter in Warminster but his parents, Sidney and Bertha Reid, came from Swindon and Pat believes he may still have relatives in the town.

Anyone with any information about him can call her on 01702 354698.

Or they can call the hospital on 0208 780 4500, extension 5018.