101-year-old man assaulted by youths

A 101-year-old man was assaulted by youths after challenging them when they kicked away his walking stick, police said today.

The pensioner, who has poor sight and hearing, was walking through a sheltered housing complex when the boys came up behind him and accosted him.

He challenged them but then felt two hands on his back and was pushed to the floor, Northamptonshire Police said.

The thugs fled the scene afterwards, while their elderly victim nursed cuts to his wrist, arm and face and a swollen nose.

He made his way to a nearby post office, where an ambulance was called and the man received medical attention.

Police are appealing for information about the assault at Spencer Haven in Northampton at around midday on Saturday.

The youths are believed to be in their early teens or younger.

A police spokesman said: "It is possible that this may not be an isolated incident and that there may have been similar incidents in recent weeks that have not been reported."

Anecdotal evidence suggests a gang of youths are targeting elderly residents in the area and tormenting them by kicking their walking sticks away.