A GROUP of youths "viciously" attacked a 64-year-old man, before smashing a window on his house and damaging his cars in Pennington.

The victim initially confronted the youths who were vandalising his front fence in Wainsford Close on Friday night.

The 64-year-old approached the youths after seeing what they were doing sometime between 9.20 and 9.50pm. However, the youths turned on the man and got him to the ground before kicking and punching him repeatedly and throwing a bike at him.

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

Hampshire Police are appealing for witnesses in relation to the incident.

DC Emma Cooke, who is investigating, said: "The victim was viciously attacked along with his property and we want to find those responsible as soon as possible. I'd urge anyone with information about the crime or who witnessed it to call the Western Investigation team on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"Officers will also be carrying out regular patrols in the area to offer local people reassurance."

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

Anyone with information relating to the incident is asked to contact 101 quoting reference '44180072574', or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.