Police have released CCTV images of a 'spiteful' gang of youths who tormented and attacked a disabled pensioner.

The gang began taunting the 66-year-old man due to his disability and laughed as they threw packets of cigarettes at him and hurled abuse, during the journey on the 300 bus.

When the pensioner got off the bus at Daw Bank station, in Stockport , the offenders followed him and assaulted him in the street

One knocked him to the ground, where he was further assaulted.

The man was taken to hospital for treatment to bruising to his head, face and body.

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

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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