A GWENT politician has appealed to the parents of those responsible for attacking a Cwmbran pensioner with a skateboard to shop their children to the police.

The Argus reported yesterday on how 65-year-old retired carpenter, Bryan Roberts, of St Dials, was smashed in the head with a skateboard after trying to stop a gang of youths from harassing a woman.

South Wales East Assembly Member William Graham, a former magistrate, said the friends and family of those responsible for the attack know who they are and should tell the police.

He said: “It’s a great concern that a chivalrous act should be met by such an unnecessary and violent response.”

He said those who are alleged to have committed this crime should come forward both in their own interests and those of the wider community.

Mr Graham said incidents of this kind are deplored by everyone.

Chief executive of Age Concern Gwent, David Murray, called it a "horrific" attack and said the perpetrators are nothing more than "young thugs and cowards".

He urged anyone with a sense of decency who knows those responsible for the attack to call the police.

He added: "Whilst parents can't control young teenagers they have a massive responsibility to the wider community."

Mr Roberts was walking along Wesley Street in Old Cwmbran last Tuesday after leaving the Halfway Inn with a friend at around 10pm.

He saw four young men, aged around 18, verbally abusing a young woman and after asking them to stop, was hit by one of them with a skateboard.

Mr Roberts fell to the ground but the teenagers continued by punching Mr Roberts.

The attackers ran off in the direction of Old Cwmbran village and Mr Roberts was left with a gash to his forehead, swollen eyes and bruising over his face.

If you have any information or witnessed the incident call Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.