POLICE investigating a "vicious" attack on a 64-year-old man have appealed for an important witness to come forward.

They have asked for a "female youth", believed to have been in the area at the time, to contact them. She is not thought to have taken part in the incident.

Officers were called to Wainsford Close in Pennington, Lymington, at around 9.30pm on Friday February 23.

The victim had been attacked after confronting youths who were damaging his fence.

When he asked what they were doing, they forced him to the ground, kicking and punching him, and threw a bike at him.

The man managed to retreat into his house and call police but, as he was doing so, the youths smashed a window to his house using a garden ornament and vandalised his cars.

Police have described the attack as "vicious."

Three boys, two aged 16, and one aged 17, were arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm and criminal damage. They have since been released under investigation.

Witnesses are asked to call Hampshire Constabulary's Western Investigation Team on 101 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.