Former boxer Michael Watson appeals to public for help following attack

Former boxer Michael Watson has appealed to the public for help in finding the two men that attacked him and his carer Lennard Ballack in an attempted car robbery.

Watson was travelling through Essex in a Volkswagen Golf with Ballack on Thursday when two would-be car thieves slammed into the back of their vehicle, sprayed them both in the face with a "noxious substance" and dragged the former world title challenger from his seat.

Ballack and Watson were both taken to an east London hospital after the attack and were released on Saturday.

"I am overwhelmed with all the messages I have received and the kindness shown to me and I would like to thank everyone for their concern," a statement from Watson read.

"Lennard and I were involved in a very frightening, violent situation which came out of the blue in broad daylight in the middle of the afternoon.

"I don't want anyone else to have to go through that so I'm asking you to help the police in finding these men and bring them to justice."

Watson had his boxing career ended in September 1991 after being placed in a coma following a bout with Chris Eubank Sr at White Hart Lane.

The former commonwealth middleweight champion suffered brain damage in the ring and had five life-saving operations following his clash with Eubank Sr.

Watson spent months in intensive care, but managed to make a recovery. He was rewarded with an MBE in 2004 for raising thousands of pounds for charity after walking the London Marathon.