A 35-year-old man, noticed a group of youths causing damage to a nearby car in Ramsey just after midnight on Saturday. He called out to the group, who then turned their attention to him and his vehicle.

The youths entered the man's garden and began hitting his vehicle. They refused to leave his property so the man confronted them brandishing a baseball bat. However, one of the youths, who was wearing a white tracksuit jacket, punched the man.

Later a larger group of youths returned and the same attacker from the previous incident threw a bicyle at a second neighbour, a 50-year-old man, who was knocked unconscious and assaulted again.

The first man went to his neighbour's aid but was struck on the back of the head and knocked unconscious. When he came round he felt punches and kicks to his chest, back and legs.

Both neighbours received hospital treatment for their injuries but have been discharged.

Detective Constable Julia Coker, who is investigating, said: "This was a despicable crime on two men who were trying to protect their, and their neighbours', property.

Officers believe three incidents of criminal damage in Little Whyte, and The Avenue on the same night are linked to the assaults.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Coker at Huntingdon Police Station on 0845 456 456 4 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

READ the full story and an interview with the victims in Friday's Evening Telegraph.