A community has rallied to speak out against violence in their neighbourhood after a pensioner was beaten up by thugs.
The victim, 72-two-year-old Ken Perry, was left with a broken arm after the attack in Popley.
Backing residents in condemning the incident, Popley borough councillor Jane Frankum said: “I think it is just not acceptable. The whole community is absolutely appalled by what happened.
“There is no excuse for such attacks and we as a community do not accept this kinds of thing.”
Mr Perry was driving to collect a takeaway in his gold Citroen C4 in Tewkesbury Close between 6.45 and 6.55pm on January 31 when he saw three youths walking in the road. He had to swerve across the road to avoid them.
He then heard a bang at the nearside of his vehicle and stopped to see what caused it.
One of the youths opened the driver’s side door and punched him to the face and then dragged him from his vehicle.
He was repeatedly punched again before he managed to get back into his car and drive off.
Mr Perry’s other injuries included deep cuts to his nose, black eyes and bruising and swelling across his face.
Detectives later arrested two 17-year-olds, a 16-year-old and a 21-year-old, all from Basingstoke, in connection with the assault.
All were released on bail until April 12 pending further enquiries.
Mr Perry said the incident makes him want to leave Popley.
He said: “I thought they were going to kill me to be honest – with the way things were going. I was really frightened and just really scared.
“I think I really want to move from here. I do not want to stay round here and I do not feel safe here.”
Cllr Frankum said she was in tears when she heard that Ken wanted to move out of the area.
She said: “We want Ken and his family to know that we are fully behind him. Popley is a safe place.
“We have a lot of really great kids and everybody knows that this not normal. I really want people to come together and say they will not tolerate this.”
Nayna Vyas, who runs the Premier convenience store in Abbey Road, said that many people have been talking about the attack.
She said: “I was really shocked when I heard about the attack. I could not believe it, I have known Mr Perry since we came here 16 years ago.
“It was sickening what happened. As a community, we tend to come together. If people can’t talk to the police then they can come and talk to us.”
Detectives have renewed their appeal for anyone with any information about this attack to call Detective Constable Drew Wright, at Basingstoke CID, on 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
