A man is still in a serious condition in hospital after being beaten with a baseball bat close to a New Malden school.

The 37-year-old victim was attacked with a bat and other weapons in Dickerage Lane, close to Kings Oak Primary School, at 3.20pm on June 22 as children were leaving to go home.

Kings Oak headteacher Cathy Clarke said: "There is no suggestion that the incident was connected to the school in any way. 

"The timing was unfortunate as it occurred as parents and carers were picking up their children at the end of the day. 

"This means that unfortunately some of the children, as well as their parents and carers, did witness the incident.

"The school has worked closely with the council in responding to this. 

"We offered counselling to both children and adults the following day. 

"I spoke to all the children in an age-appropriate way during assembly. 

"We discussed how violence is not an acceptable way to resolve arguments; we talked about the good work that the police do and I reassured the children that school is a perfectly safe place for them to be.

"I am pleased to say that the children and the wider school community have responded in the resilient and supportive way I have come to expect."

Police want to talk to two men - Jake Davies-Gaynor, 24, and 27-year-old Joshua Michael Tobert - in connection with the assault.

Detective Sergeant Chance Rowan of Kingston police said: "There were a number of people in the area at the time of this assault who may have seen what happened.

"I would urge anyone who has seen these two men, or knows where they are, to contact police immediately.

"If you have any information that could assist this investigation, please call police."

Two other men were arrested on suspicion of GBH and have been bailed until the beginning of September.

Anyone who knows of the whereabouts of Jake Davies-Gaynor and Joshua Michael Tobert should call Kingston police on 101 or 999 for an immediate sighting.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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