DETECTIVES were last night hunting a gang of youths who savagely attacked a frail pensioner, his daughter and son-in-law.

Anthony Atkinson, 69, was beaten unconscious and had his cheekbone shattered as he tried to come to the aid of his daughter and son-in-law, who were both assaulted in the street by the teenagers.

The attack happened in the early hours of New Year's Day when Leslie Tweedy walked in on the youths, who had entered his home in Ferryhill, County Durham.

The confrontation spilled out into Newton Street where Mr Tweedy was knocked to the ground and repeatedly kicked and punched about the head and body.

His sister, Marie, was also punched to the ground when she tried to break up the incident.

She was left with two black eyes and bruising to her body after being dragged along the ground.

Mr Atkinson, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, was then assaulted and left unconscious in the street before emergency services arrived.

The family had been celebrating New Year's Eve at Mr Atkinson's house, across the road, when trouble flared.

All three needed treatment at Bishop Auckland General Hospital, with Mr Atkinson later transferred to Middlesbrough General Hospital to be treated by eye specialists.

Police said there were about seven teenagers in the gang, all aged about 18 and including one female.

Last night, Mr Atkinson's son-in-law, Tony Bulmer, condemned the thugs who carried out the attack and urged anyone with information to go to the police.

"He is in so bad a state that everybody around here just can't believe what has happened," said Mr Bulmer.

Mr Atkinson, a great-grandfather, was still in shock while recuperating at home yesterday.

Mr Bulmer said: "He is a proud man and he is upset for the simple reason that he couldn't do anything about it.

"If you see anyone being attacked, especially your own daughter, you are going to try to do something about it.

"To do something like that to someone of any age is unbelieveable, but you just don't go attacking an old man like that."

Officers believe the group had entered the unlocked house looking for a New Year party and not with the intention of burgling it.

A police spokeswoman said: "This seems to have been a nasty assault which we are taking very seriously and are investigating."

Anyone with information should contact Newton Aycliffe CID on (01325) 314401.