A 76-year-old man fought off an attacker who tried to break into his home.

The pensioner was beaten by his young assailant in the hallway of the house in Church Road, Ramsgate. But he hit back, struck him with a walking stick and then kneed him in the groin.

The elderly man needed hospital treatment for face, neck and knee injuries following the assault that happened at about 4.50pm on Wednesday as he returned home from a shopping trip.

Police say he was confronted by the man who asked to use his telephone but was refused. A struggle followed during which the householder’s bike, which was in the hallway, fell onto them.

The attacker is twenties, about 5ft 4in tall, medium build, with dark hair. He wore a dark duffle coat and a dark woolly hat. He was clean-shaven.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the police on 01843 222033.