Diplomat loses an eye in London attack

Former British High Commissioner George Fergusson. File photo / Ross Setford

A former British High Commissioner to New Zealand has lost his eye after being the victim of a violent mugging in west London.

George Fergusson, 56, was walking through Hammersmith cemetery on his way to a dinner party on Friday night (UK time) when he was attacked and robbed of a small amount of cash, The Telegraph reported.

The assault left him with facial injuries.

He managed to walk to a nearby hospital where he had surgery on his left eye but it could not be saved, the newspaper reported.

Police have arrested a 29-year-old man on suspicion of robbery.

Officers from Hammersmith and Fulham Priority Crime Unit are investigating the incident.

Mr Fergusson served as British High Commissioner to New Zealand from 2006 to 2010 and has also served as Governor of the Pitcairn Islands and High Commissioner to Samoa.

He was recently appointed Governor of Bermuda, and in spite of the attack, he is expected to take up his new post next month.