A PENSIONER was attacked from behind whilst he was doing volunteer work in a churchyard.

Officers are appealing for witnesses after a 72-year-old man was assaulted in the grounds of St Mary’s Church, in the Fratton are of Portsmouth, on Thursday between 6.15-6.30pm.

The victim was volunteering as a car park attendant at the church when he was attacked from behind. He was punched to the ground and then repeatedly hit.

He sustained a bloody nose, his lip was cut and swollen and he has swelling and bruising to his forehead.

Following the unprovoked attack, the suspect walked away towards Fratton Road.

The suspect is described as: a white male, between 25-35-years-old, 6ft tall and of a slim build with a dark complexion.

He has a local accent and at the time of the incident he was wearing a dark jacket, dark trousers and a black ‘beanie’ hat.

PC Adam Ives, who is investigating the incident, said: “This was a horrific, unprovoked attack on an elderly man, in a quiet area of church grounds.

“Fortunately this type of incident is not common; however I would advise people to be alert, not alarmed, and to, where possible, avoid walking through dark or secluded areas alone.

“I would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or recognises the suspect from the description."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting 44160020718.