THIS is the damage done by a thug to a 52-year-old man innocently walking home from work.

Andrew Hart was unlucky enough to cross the path of a youth who had decided he wanted a fight.

Police are investigating the incident which unfolded late on Sunday evening.

Mr Hart, of Dringhouses, York, said of his attacker: "He was high on either drinks or drugs. He followed me on his bike, then started talking.

"He said 'Oi, come here, I want a fight.' He said he was only 15, but looked older. Then he started at me."

Mr Hart said the boy was aggressive, but he told him to go away. Suddenly he felt a blow on the side of the head.

"I felt an awful whack, then realised I was covered in blood. He had gone and got the large metal lock from his bike, and thrown it at me.

"It knocked me to the ground, I had no idea where I was."

Mr Hart tried to get away and return to his home, but the youth would not let him go.

"He kept following me, kept up the abuse, then suddenly stopped, and said he was after someone else."

After reporting the incident to the police, Mr Hart was rushed to hospital by ambulance where he spent most of the night in accident and emergency having his wounds tended.

The cuts and bruises are now healing. He is still confused and afraid, but is working with police to try to find his attacker.

Police in York confirmed the attack was reported on Sunday, and said they were making inquiries into the incident.

Mr Hart said the youth was tall, with short, dark hair and a thin face. He was casually dressed, and rode a silver mountain bike.

He said the incident took place on Chaloners Road near the Edmund Wilson swimming baths, but the youth began following him on Kingsway West after leaving a girl he was talking to. Mr Hart appealed for help, saying: "This lad should be caught, even if he is young. He is out of control, and a danger to the public."

Updated: 10:56 Friday, March 28, 2003