A PENSIONER has said he is lucky to be alive after a youth attacked him with an iron bar as he walked his dog.

Vic Minton said if it was not for his mongrel, Ben, and a passer-by who ran after the attacker, he would not be here today.

The 67-year-old, from Stockton, was walking Ben in the grounds of Trinity Church, in the town, on Thursday at 9.15pm, when he was attacked from behind, taking at least three blows to his head.

As Mr Minton tried to protect himself, Ben came to his aid and was also attacked.

He said: "When you think about it, I am lucky to be alive. I was hit from behind with an iron bar, and as I tried to put my arm up to ward off the blows, I was left with a swollen arm.

"Ben stopped him in his tracks and, as he did so, he too was attacked. This person is very cruel and very dangerous and he wants catching.

"If the passer-by had not stopped and come to my aid, I may not be here today.

"He chased after the man and I really appreciate that as he saved my life, and it was a very brave thing to do."

The retired steel-erector suffered cuts to his forehead which required stitches and also suffered bruises. He was detained overnight in the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton.

The attacker did not say anything to Mr Minton during the incident and did not attempt to steal anything.

He was in his late-teens or early-20s, about 5ft 9ins, very thin and with short, dark hair.

He was wearing either a red shirt with long, white sleeves or a white shirt with long, red sleeves.

The passer-by chased the attacker into Yarm Lane and towards the town centre, but he lost him close to Rileys Snooker Hall.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Stockton Police on (01642) 302226 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.