Update 22:55 – Police say one person has been arrested this evening, and they've had a very positive response.

Original story: This shocking footage shows the moment a disabled 66-year-old man was attacked by a gang of youths in a motiveless assault.

The teenagers threw cigarettes at the man while he sat on a number 300 bus heading for Stockport, and laughed as they taunted him about his disability.

They then attacked the vulnerable man after he got off the bus at Daw Bank station.

CCTV footage shows the victim trying to defend himself as he is set upon by two of the gang.

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He is struck with at least a dozen blows by the swaggering youths as he is trapped against a wall.

As the attack comes to an end, one of the youths pulls a hoodie over his head and the two youths then sprint from the scene along with two friends.

Detectives have released images of four youths who were on the bus and who police are trying to identify.

Images have also been released of the injuries sustained by the victim, who suffered severe bruising to his arms and body.

Detective Constable Drew McArdle, said the incident happened at about 5.30pm on November 9, 2013.

He said: “This was a disgusting assault on a man who was alone and vulnerable.

“It is clear from looking at him that he has a disability and that makes this crime all the more spiteful. The offenders clearly took enjoyment out of tormenting him as they were laughing while physically and verbally abusing him on the bus.

“Despite ongoing efforts we have not been able to identify the four people whose images we have recovered from the bus and I am now appealing for the public to help me establish who they are.

“I think they live locally and if you recognise someone please get in touch.

“I also want to appeal to those directly in the group to come forward and speak to us. I would like to think that at least one of these boys may have felt pressured in to going along with what happened and this incident will be playing on their conscience. Now is the time to do the right thing and come and talk to us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 9859, or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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