A man who was left semi-conscious after a vicious and unprovoked attack in broad daylight has paid tribute to his rescuer.

Peter Pagnell was followed off a number 267 bus on London Road, near Twickenham station, after asking a group of youths to turn down their music.

He was subjected to a violent attack and was punched and kicked in the head, leaving him with a split lip, severe headaches and an anxious outlook on life. The attack took place at 1.30pm on Friday February 9.

The 57-year-old writer, from Old Isleworth, was saved from a terrible fate by a passer-by in a mini, who drove him to the Police station and stayed with him while he gave a statement.

Peter said: "I went up to the young people and said do you mind turning it down? They abused me with the language you would expect them to use but they did turn the music down.

"Someone even gave me a thumbs up on the bus.

"Just before I got off they turned the music back up loudly again.They waited until the last minute and then jumped off the bus just behind me.

"A girl hit me very hard on the lips - I needed three stitches for that. I was then kicked in the head; I think I was on the floor.

"If it had not been for the guy in the mini driving past I would not be here today."

He said he wanted to thank the man, adding: "Of course I am angry about all of this, but I think it was important for me to do what I did. I have since decided if I see somebody hurt I will do something, but if I see people doing graffiti, or some anti-social behaviour, I will not."

A police spokesperson said: "Enquiries are still ongoing and we are checking witness albums and CCTV."

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