THREE teenagers raced to the rescue of a pensioner as he was being beaten up just yards from his Bury home.

The 72-year-old was punched several times in the face but fought back, managing to grab hold of his attacker and shout for help.

The three Good Samaritans dashed to his aid, forcing the mugger to run off empty-handed. One of the youngsters gave chase on his bicycle, but lost sight of the thug in Griffin Close.

The attack happened at 10.20pm on Wednesday as the elderly victim returned to his Massey Street home after a visiting a friend in Rochdale Road.

As he neared his house, a man ran from behind and jumped on the back of the pensioner, causing both of them to fall to the floor.

The offender then punched his victim in the face and demanded money but the pensioner fought back. PC John Flowers of Bury's Operational Police Unit said: "This elderly gentleman was left extremely shaken and frightened after his ordeal. For this to happen outside of his own home will obviously affect him a great deal.

"He was not seriously injured and fortunately for him he managed to get hold of the offender and help was close at hand."

The offender has been described as white, 5ft 6 ins tall, wearing a white tracksuit top, tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.

PC Flowers added: "We are keen to speak with anyone who may have seen anything."

Call Bury CID on 856 8150 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.