A second man has been charged in connection with a brutal burglary in Wimbledon on Monday night as police continue to appeal for help to catch two men who escaped.

Pawel Honc, 23, of no fixed abode was charged with GBH and aggravated burglary and is due to appear in custody at Wimbledon Magistrates Court this morning.

A 32 year old Polish man who lives in Tooting appeared in the same court yesterday and is facing the same charges.

The charges relate to a burglary at an address in Kings Road in which Paul Kohler, 55 suffered life-changing injuries after being beated around the head while the four-strong masked gang attempted to tie up his wife with gaffer tape.

They were saved by their children who were upstairs at the time and managed to lock themselves in before calling police who arrived within minutes and arrested two men at the scene.

More details have emerged about Mr Kohler, who is a top academic at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, where he is head of the law department.

He remains in a South London hospital receiving treatment for multiple facial injuries and bruising to the body and limbs. He is undergoing surgery and treatment for a fractured eye socket.

Police and the family remain mystified as to why they were targeted by the gang who are all believed to be of Eastern European origin.

The two men who escaped when the police swooped are both believed to be aged between 20-30. CTTV footage of one of them running off on the Broadway was released by police yesterday, it is not know in which direction the other man went.

Detective Inspector Dan O'Sullivan, of Merton Burglary Squad, said this morning: "The victim and his family are distraught and they cannot understand why they were targeted in this way. We believe that the motive for this horrendous crime is purely for financial gain, and the attackers thought there was cash within the property.

"The level of violence used is unprecedented for this borough, and I'm appealing to anyone who was in the area between 21:00-23:00hrs to come forward and speak to us if they heard or saw anything suspicious. We are also seeking information regarding a silver car the suspects may have used.

"The fast response to the 999 call ensured that two suspects were apprehended and the victim could receive immediate first aid.

"I must stress that this appears to be an isolated incident, and such cases are thankfully rare. However, this serious attack is now subject of a meticulous enquiry whilst we work to support individuals affected by the events and the local community. Officers are currently conducting high visibility patrols and speaking to residents to answer their concerns."

Anyone with information is urged to call the incident room on 020 8649 3159; Or if you with to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.