AN elderly victim of an unprovoked attack by a teenager says he won’t be defeated by thugs.

Michael Hughes, 79, needed hospital treatment after being punched on the nose and forehead in broad daylight.

Police have so far drawn a blank after quizzing staff at a school and a college near where the assault happened, around 100 yards from Mr Hughes’s home in Bishop’s Hull.

The victim was approached by three teenage boys as he walked along a footpath between Somerset College and The Castle School with his partner, Julie Maddock, between 12.30pm and 1.30pm on Tuesday last week.

“They came up behind me, punched me twice in the face for no reason and I fell over,” said Mr Hughes.

“They were laughing and the lad who hit me said, ‘You asked for that’. They just don’t care.

“They just left me on the ground and ran off towards the front of the college.”

Mr Hughes was treated at Musgrove Park Hospital for minor cuts and bruises, but he remains defiant.

“They should bring back national service – that would give young people more discipline,” he said.

“I’m not afraid of anything despite what happened. They won’t stop me doing what I want to do, going out when I want to.

“I’m not going to be beaten by thugs.”

Mr Hughes described his attacker as white, aged 17 or 18, about 5ft 3in tall, of plump build and wearing a dark jacket, blue jeans and burgundy woollen hat.

PC Gareth Evans said: “Police have consulted with staff at The Castle School and Somerset College, but at this time haven’t received any positive leads that would identify the offender.

“We’re keen to hear from anyone that may have information that would assist with identifying the male responsible for the assault.”

Anyone with any information should contact Avon and Somerset Police on 101 quoting crime reference 12013/14.