A 64-YEAR-OLD man was “viciously attacked” when he challenged youths who were vandalising his fence.

The teenagers forced him to the ground before kicking and punching him and throwing a bike at him.

The victim managed to retreat into his house but the youths grabbed a garden ornament and hurled it through a window.

They then vandalised his cars before fleeing the scene.

District councillor Penny Jackman has branded the crime as “terrible” and urged parents to take responsibility for their children.

Police have now launched an appeal for information following the terrifying incident in Lymington on Friday night.

Hampshire Police said the victim approached the youths when he spotted them damaging the fence at his home in Wainsford Close, Pennington.

The incident took place between 9.20pm and 9.50pm on Friday February 23.

Detective Constable Emma Cooke, who is investigating the incident, 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 on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

She said officers will be carrying out regular patrols in the area in a bid to reassure any concerned local residents.

Cllr Jackman added: “It is awful that this has happened to someone in their own home and I hope the man concerned is going to be all right.

“I am horrified to hear of such a terrible incident but I am also concerned that parents don’t seem to know what their children are up to.

“It appears that the offenders are children, no matter how much they think they are adults, and parents should know where their children are and what they are doing.”

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