A motorist was beaten unconscious after stopping his car to avoid running over two youths who were fighting in the street.

One of the youths leapt on to the bonnet before kicking the vehicle, denting the bodywork and wrecking one of the wing mirrors.

When the 64-year-old driver got out to inspect the damage he was kicked in the head and briefly lost consciousness.

Two young women are understood to have taken part in the assault, which police said was unprovoked.

Another group of youths went to the driver's aid after calling for an ambulance. The victim was treated at the scene for cuts and bleeding around the eye.

The incident happened in South Street, Pennington, at about midnight on Saturday.

A police spokesman said: "The driver was forced to stop his Mercedes car to avoid running over two youths who were fighting in the street.

"After he had stopped, one of the youths jumped on to the bonnet, then leapt off and proceeded to kick the vehicle, causing dents and damage to body panels and a wing mirror.

"When the driver got out to inspect the damage he was assaulted by the same youth, who kicked him in the head.

"This was an appalling attack on an innocent motorist who had stopped to prevent two people in the road being injured by his vehicle.

"The area was very busy at the time and we're are anxious to hear from anyone with information that may help identify the offender."

The assailant is described as white, aged 15 to 18, about 5ft 8in, with dark, grade two trimmed hair.

He was wearing a black jumper and black tracksuit trousers.

Ring Lymington police station on 0845 045 4545 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.