Pensioner attacked as he walked his pet dog

A PENSIONER is in hospital after an attack by three men while out walking his dog.

The incident happened around 8.45pm on Thursday, July 26, near Franco’s restaurant in Aberavon, Port Talbot.

Tony James, 68, was walking his black Bichon Frise when he was approached by three males.

The father of three children, who has three stepchildren, was on the phone to his daughter when the incident happened.

His wife, Jan James, has said that the family are in shock.

She said: “Tony left the house at around 8pm to walk the dog. His daughter then rang me upset, saying that something had happened to him as she was speaking to him on the phone.

“I ran down to the seafront and I could see Tony staggering along the road. He said that he had been attacked by three men and they were trying to take our dog.

“He kept saying that he protected our dog, Bella, and he wouldn’t let her go.

“He said that the men pushed him to the floor and kicked him in the face. I took him straight to hospital.”

Mrs James, who lives in Sandfields, said that the attack was unprovoked and it has left Tony very confused and in a lot of pain.

“He now has symptoms of amnesia, as well as a swollen face, fractured cheekbone and a lot of bruising and swelling to the right side of his face. He is still in hospital. He is in a lot of pain, he is very confused at the moment. Tony is such a quiet and lovely guy, he wouldn’t harm a fly,” the 51 year-old said.

The family are now appealing for anyone with any information to come forward. Contact South Wales Police on 101.