A SERIES of violent attacks against elderly gentleman in Muswell Hill are linked, detectives have said.

On three separate occasions in January three men, aged 63, 67 and 84, were seriously assaulted with two in critical condition in hospital.

Due to the similarities of the attacks, detectives believed they are connected, but are at a loss as to their attacker's motive.

The first attack took place on Wednesday, January 5, where a 67-year-old man was found unconscious near the gates to Alexandra Palace and Park. He had suffered serious head injuries and was in possession of £700 cash.

A second victim, aged 63, was attacked on Friday, January 28, in Queens Wood, near Wood Vale. He escaped relatively unharmed but was treated for minor injuries.

Three days later, an 84-year-old man was discovered in the same wood at 2.10pm with serious head injuries. He remains in hospital in north London.

Detective Chief Inspector Tim Duffield, of the Met's homicide and serious crime command, said: "One aspect of our investigation is focused on establishing how the two seriously hurt men sustained their injuries.

"We are eager to speak to anyone who has information about these incidents, particularly those who may have been in or near the parks on the days in question.

"Someone may have seen or heard something that could prove vital to the investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8358 0400 or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.