Retirees banding together for safety

A cloud of fear has settled over elderly men who regularly gather at the Lok Fu Recreation Ground after yesterday's brutal attack on a 70-year-old man.

The men are banding together in groups and hiding jewellery and other valuables that might tempt a robber.

Mr Ho, 70, said he had stopped wearing his gold necklace. 'I am keeping an eye out for anyone suspicious. All they want is money,' he said.

Mr Ng, 63, said he now took off his watch, which 'cost a few thousand dollars', and put it in his pocket before taking a nap.

'There is really not much I can do - but how can I not feel scared?' he asked.

Mr Wong, 78, said he and his friends had decided to sit together for safety reasons.