A Russian man who stepped in to save an 88-year-old grandmother from a violent thug who had her pinned to the ground and broke her ribs has been fined by police for beating the attacker.

Leonid Shchepel has been told be must pay 5,000 rubles (£58) for fighting off the thug who attacked his elderly neighbour Klara Melamed outside their block of flats in Klintsy in western Russia.

Shocking video footage filmed by Mr Shchepel shows the unnamed 32-year-old attacker on top of the frail woman, before the have-a-go hero kicks him in the head.

Evil: Footage by have-a-go hero Leonid Shchepel shows an unnamed 32-year-old man attacking 88-year-old grandmother Klara Melamed

Rescued: Mrs Melamed suffered serious injuries, including broken ribs and losing several teeth in the violent attack outside her home

Mrs Melamed suffered broken ribs, head trauma, a dislocated arm and lost several teeth in the violent attack.

However, despite this, the unscrupulous attacker reported Mr Shchepel to the police and the hero has now been handed the fine.

Mr Shchepel said: 'I do not regret what I did. Klara's life and health are more important than the money.'

Mr Shchepel said: 'I was on my balcony when I saw a man beating a screaming woman. I took my camera and went to see what was going on.'

Leonid Shchepel has been told be must pay 5,000 rubles (£58) for beating up the thug who attacked his elderly neighbour outside their block of flats in Klintsy in western Russia

Her hero: Mr Shchepel said the money was irrelevant, he was just pleased he helped save the life of his neighbour

In the footage, posted online by Mr Shchepel, he is seen hurrying along a footpath as a woman's screams can be heard in the background.

Thug: The 32-year-old attacker who reported Mr Shchepel to police

He quickly approaches a grassed area where a man has the 88-year-old victim pinned to the ground.

Mr Shchepel films himself kicking the attacker in the head, sending him reeling and freeing the elderly victim.

Still holding his phone in his hand to record the scenes, the have-a-go hero shouts at the young man and continues to kick him in the head.

He says: 'Come on, fight with me, b****! Fight with me!'

The attacker remains on all-fours and does not attempt to fight back.

After getting another hits in on the attacker, Mr Shchepel turns to the dishevelled old lady, who is covered in mud and is bleeding from the mouth, and helps her up.

According to a police statement, the alleged attacker was drunk and went to the wrong front door in the block of flats. When he knocked on the door and the old lady answered he thought she was an intruder and began attacking her.

The 32-year-old suspected attacker has been placed in custody for two months while the investigation is ongoing.