A DEFENCELESS 64-year-old Radcliffe newsagent needed hospital treatment after being brutally attacked in his shop by teenage thugs.

Mr Alan Blunt, who owns the shop on Moss Shaw Way, suffered bruised ribs, a black eye and grazing in the early morning attack by the three 17-year-olds, one of whom was armed with a baseball bat.

"I was sorting out the papers at around 6.30am on Sunday (Nov 18) when a lad came to the door asking if I sold milk. I unlocked the door, but held it ajar and then another lad appeared and they barged their way in," said Mr Blunt. The second youth smashed him in the ribs with the bat knocking him to the floor. While he raided the till the first youth pressed the bat against Mr Blunt's throat.

"We struggled and I began to get the better of him, but then the other lad punched me in the eye."

Mr Blunt bravely chased them outside, but a third youth, believed to be a "lookout", jumped on his back and fought with him. The thugs then sprinted from the shop and escaped in a red car.

Mr Blunt was treated at Fairfield Hospital where he had X-rays and an ECG scan after complaining of chest pains, but was not kept in overnight.

The youths, two of whom had hats pulled down over their faces, made off with just over £20.

"I'm very annoyed, but I suppose it could have been a lot worse," said Mr Blunt who has owned the shop since 1977. "Nothing like this has ever happened before."

Police officers are anxious to talk to anyone about the incident. If you can help call Whitefield CID on 856 8248.