POLICE are hunting a pair of thugs who attacked a 76-year-old man and his dog.

The pensioner was walking along a path when he was confronted by two teenage boys, one of whom punched him in the back and demanded cash.

He then kicked the victim's dog after the pensioner told him he did not have any money.

The attack took place on a footpath near New Milton railway station.

Police say the pensioner's assailants walked off in the direction of the traffic lights at the junction of Old Milton Road and Station Road.

Det Con Matt Taylor, of Ringwood CID, said: "This was a vicious attack on an innocent man and his dog.

"The incident left the victim shaken but thankfully uninjured.

"It is possible that passers-by would have seen these two youths walking along Station Road before or after the incident.

"I would urge anyone with information to come forward so that these youths can be caught and dealt with."

The attack took place last Sunday at 6pm but details were not released until yesterday. One of the youths was white, stocky, and about 5ft 7in. He was wearing a white sweatshirt with blue writing on the front and blue stars on the left hand side, a navy blue jacket and dark trousers.

The other was slim, and about 15 years old.