Alan Barnes: Disabled mugging victim fund reaches £160k in three days

Donations to a disabled pensioner who was mugged outside his home have topped £160,000.

Alan Barnes, 67, was left too afraid to return to his home in Low Fell, Gateshead, after the attack on Sunday.

Mr Barnes, who is visually impaired, broke his collarbone when he was pushed to the ground.

Following reports of the attack, which police described as "disgraceful", the Help Alan Barnes online donation page was created on the Go Fund Me site.

Beautician Katie Cutler, who set up the page, said it showed "there are so many lovely people out there".

"Not just people in the North East, but we've had people donating from Canada, Holland, down south, the USA, New Zealand.

"This person that hurt Alan is just a minority."

Mr Barnes, who has lived with disabilities from birth after his mother contracted German measles when she was pregnant, said it was "just unbelievable".

"I've heard of fundraising for charities but I've only got a fractured collarbone, I didn't expect that sort of response," he said.

"Thank you doesn't really seem to answer it, does it?"

'Restored faith'

Ms Cutler's aim was to raise £500 but that was quickly passed and, by 19:00 GMT on Saturday, it had reached £165,644 with more than 11,700 people contributing.

Many had left comments wishing Mr Barnes well and praising Ms Cutler for what she had done.

One, Geoff Poole, said: "The life of Alan Barnes will be improved and he will feel safer, not only because of the extreme generosity of the people donating, but also because of the selfless act performed by Katie, who took the time to help someone she doesn't even know.

"Well done Katie, you have restored my faith in human nature."

Ms Cutler said she was "over the moon" and could not believe people's generosity.

There had also been offers of practical help from plumbers, electricians, bathroom and kitchen fitters, carpet layers and people donating furniture, she said.