Neighbours knocked out in attack

Neighbour Tony suffered a damaged eye socket in the attack

Two neighbours have been attacked and knocked unconscious, after trying to stop of group of vandals outside their homes in a Cambridgeshire town.

The incident happened in the early hours of Saturday morning in The Avenue, Ramsey.

The two neighbours were attacked after telling the group of young men to stop damaging vehicles.

Police have described the crime as "despicable" and called for anyone with information to call officers.

The incident started when the first neighbour told a group of youths damaging a nearby car to stop. He was punched.

'Not tolerated'

Later a group came back and one youth threw a bicycle at a second neighbour. He was then knocked unconscious.

The offender was wearing the white tracksuit top.

The first man then went to the aid of his neighbour and was struck over the back of his head, knocking him unconscious.

When he came around he felt punches and kicks to his chest, back and legs.

Both neighbours have received hospital treatment for their injuries.

Det Con Julia Coker, of Cambridgeshire Police, said: "This was a despicable crime on two men who were trying to protect their, and their neighbours' property

"There would have been a number of residents who either heard or saw what happened and I would like to speak to them.

"Please come forward if you know anything about this. This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated."

One of the neighbours, known only as Tony, told the BBC he did not know what could happen next.

"It really needs to be sorted out," he added.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cambridgeshire Police.