THREE teenagers went to the rescue of a 72-year-old man they spotted being attacked in a Bury street.

They ran to the aid of the pensioner when they heard his cries for help and saw him struggling with his attacker.

The thief fled when he saw the teenagers but one of the young heroes then pursued him on a bike.

The pensioner had been visiting a friend on Rochdale Road, Bury, and was walking homes at 10pm last night when he realised that he was being followed.

As he neared his home on Massey Street, the thief ran from behind and jumped on his back. They both then fell to the ground.

The attacker punched the pensioner in the face and demanded that he handed over any money that he had.

The brave pensioner managed to get hold of the thug and shouted for help. The three teenagers heard his pleas and ran over to help him but the offender ran off empty-handed. One of the teenagers was on a pushbike and followed the thief onto Griffin Close where he disappeared.

Detectives are appealing for information and have released a description of the thief who is described as white, 5ft 6ins tall, wearing a white tracksuit top, tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.

A police spokesperson said: "This elderly gentleman was left extremely shaken and frightened after his ordeal.

"For this to happen outside of his own home address will obviously effect him a great deal.

"He was not seriously injured and fortunately for him he managed to get hold of the offender and help was close at hand."

Anyone with information is asked to call Bury CID on 0161 856 8150 or Crimestoppers on free phone 0800 555 111.