Man, 80, assaulted by car thieves in Oakengates

An 80-year-old man was punched and kicked by thieves as they attempted to steal his car as he left a Telford pub.

The pensioner had just left the Hare and Hounds Pub in Holyhead Road, in Oakengates, when he was attacked.

Police said today that as the man went to open the door of his Audi the two attackers came running towards him.

One of the suspects told the man to hand over his keys and when he refused, he was punched in the face, causing him to fall backwards onto the ground. He was then kicked to the back and chest.

A member of staff from the pub heard the disturbance and went outside to investigate. At this point the offenders ran off.

The man, who managed to keep hold of his car keys, went home and police were alerted the following day.

The victim suffered cuts and bruises to his face and body in the attack and was left "extremely upset" by his ordeal, which happened at about 11.30pm on Thursday.

Detective Constable Stephen Clark, who is investigating the matter, said: "It was fortunate that a member of staff intervened and chased the suspects away.

"This is a nasty incident."

One of the offenders was in his early teens, wearing dark coloured clothing and a hooded top. The second was about 4ft 6ins.