A Winchester man has been left a prisoner in his own home after suffering a stroke the day after being viciously assaulted on his doorstep.

Bob Lock, 52, pictured, was leaving his home before dawn in Firmstone Road, Winnall, to go to work as a postman when he was attacked by muggers.

The incident left him severely shocked and bruised but a subsequent stroke has made him weak down his left side and unable to walk without a stick.

"It has been a devastating experience. I am now finding it very difficult to walk and stairs are virtually impossible," said Mr Lock.

The postman had gone back to hospital the day after the mugging and was prescribed strong painkillers for back pain he had sustained.

But soon after taking one of them he suffered an allergic reaction and had a mild stroke.

With his wife, Sue, Mr Lock has now applied to the City Council to be moved from their first-floor flat because he cannot negotiate the stairs and is suffering from flashbacks.

But council officials have told them that it could take as long as six months before they can move.

"I wish they could be in my situation at the moment, then they might have a bit more sympathy. Surely in light of what's happened they should be able to cut through procedure," said Mr Lock.

"It took me 15 minutes to get up the stairs when I returned from hospital and we have told them we are willing to move anywhere in Winchester."

A Winchester City Council spokesman said: "We have got a lot of people in similar situations and it comes down to the availability of property in the area.

"The independent medical advisor who looks at all of these cases for us is next sitting on November 20 and if Mr Lock completes his forms in time his case will be reviewed then.

"If he is deemed to be of Category One importance, the aim of the council is to move the applicant within six months subject to available property."

The spokesman also said a supporting housing officer has been notified to see if anything can be done in the meantime to help Mr Lock.

Two men described as white, about 6ft 1in, wearing dark clothing and hooded tops pulled over their faces, assaulted Mr Lock at around 4.30am on Wednesday, October 29 as he went to get in his car.

They made off with just £40 cash after punching him in the stomach and holding a knife to his throat.

Police want anyone with information to contact DC Steve Deeprose of Winchester CID on 0845 045 4545.