A PENSIONER has told how he was left semi-conscious after being mugged by a woman who offered to help him home.

Fred McLeavey, 72, was attacked by the supposed good Samaritan after she offered to walk him back to his Southampton home.

He suffered a broken nose and multiple cuts and bruises to his face and arms

following the terrifying daytime assault, in which he was shoved to the ground.

Mr McLeavey realised what had happened only when he woke in an ambulance rushing him to Southampton General Hospital.

His wallet, which had been almost empty after he had given some money to his son, had been stolen.

The former bin man is today recovering at home following the ordeal, which happened after a visit to a local pub, where he had enjoyed a drink with his daughter.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Mr McLeavey said: "I've been getting headaches ever since, but it's not stopped me going out.

"It was daylight and there were people around so someone must have seen what happened, but so far nobody has come forward."

The assault happened as great-grandad Mr McLeavey was walking from his daughter's house back to his own home near Hinkler Road.

He was in Napier Road, at about 6.30pm on Sunday, when he was mugged.

"I don't remember anything at all about it," said Mr McLeavey.

"The next thing I knew, I was in an ambulance on the way to hospital. My wallet had gone, but there was nothing in it because I'd given some cash to my son."

Police are now appealing for witnesses to help them catch the mugger.

It was witnessed by some young people, but so far there are very few details about the appearance of the attacker, other than that she was white.

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who saw the crime or knows who carried it out.

If you have information, call PC Leon Atkins at the Thornhill community police office on 0845 045 4545, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.