AN 80-year-old man has been assaulted by two youths as he walked home from the shops.

The man had been to the Co-op store in Sturdee Avenue, Gillingham, last Monday (August 15), when he saw a large group of youths walking towards him.

He crossed onto the opposite side of the road where he saw two teenagers. As he walked between them one of the boys punched a For Sale sign and made it swing round.

The other punched the man on the side of the face.

The pensioner managed to hit the boy and tried to get away, but the boy cornered him at the junction of Torento Road and Sturdee Avenue and continued to punch him.

The man was saved from his ordeal by a member of the public who drew up in his car and stopped the youth.

The police would like to speak to this man as a matter of urgency as he may be able to help with the investigation.

The attack happened between 9.30pm and 10pm. The youths appeared to be around 16-years-old.

The first is 5ft 7ins, of stocky build with short, surly blonde hair. He was wearing shorts and a yellow jumper. The second is 5ft 10ins and was wearing blue jeans and a white baseball cap with a dark peak.

PC Amanda Taylor said: "This was a totally unprovoked and cowardly attack on an elderly gentleman and we would ask the driver who stopped to help the victim and anyone else who may have information to contact us as a matter of urgency."

Anyone who may have seen something or who may have information in connection with this incident should call Medway Police on 01634 884252 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.