POLICE in Droitwich are appealing for witnesses after an elderly man was assaulted near Vines Park.

The incident occurred at approximately 6.45pm on Sunday, December 14 as a man in his 70s was walking through Fox Alley between Vines Park and Vines Lane in Droitwich.

He was approached by a black Staffordshire bull terrier type dog, which was off its lead and jumped up at him.

When he asked the owner, a white man in his 30s, to put the dog on a lead, the man punched him in the face without warning.

The pensioner then fell to the floor where the suspect kicked him several times in the shoulder, causing him to sustain minor injuries.

The suspect is described as around six feet tall and of stocky build. He was wearing a woollen hat and a ¾ length dark coloured coat.

The dog he was walking is described as a black staffy cross mastiff, around knee height with a broad chest.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said “This is an unprovoked attack on an elderly male by a much younger male, which will not be tolerated in Droitwich. We are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or may have seen a man meeting this description in the area, to contact police.”

If anyone witnessed the incident, or knows anything which might prove useful to police they should contact West Mercia Police on 101 quoting reference no. 593 of December 14.

Alternatively they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.