POLICE are hunting a gang who attacked a 21-year-old disabled man and his stepfather.
Detectives said they believe "visible health concerns" of the first victim may have been the motive for the assault, which took place early yesterday morning in Kilwinning, North Ayrshire.
A group of boys and men aged between their mid teens and 20 first verbally abused the 21-year old, then attacked him.
When he fled home, his mother and 41-year-old stepfather came out to rescue him. The older man then suffered a serious head injury.
Detective Sergeant Ian Ross of North Ayrshire CID said: "This was a terrifying experience for the young man and his stepfather, who sustained a nasty head wound, after the young man was followed home by his assailants.
"It is imperative we trace the youths responsible, as the level of sustained intimidation and violence involved is completely unacceptable. The young man has been left completely distraught as a result of his ordeal."
The 21-year-old has a serious eye condition. He had been in a pub on Byres Road, Kilwinning, between midnight and 1am yesterday before going to an Indian takeway on the town's Main Street. There he was verbally abused by a group of five or six youths.
When he left he was followed and assaulted. He ran to his house near Woodwynd, Kilwinning, where the second and more serious assault took place.
His injured stepfather was kept overnight in Crosshouse hospital, Kilmarnock, as a precaution.
The younger man was treated for a minor facial injury.
Mr Ross added: "We're continuing extensive inquiries into identifying the youths responsible, including checking all CCTV on the route the young man took.
"We know that neighbours nearby heard the disturbance and came out to assist the injured 41-year-old man before contacting emergency services."
North Ayrshire CID can be reached by dialling 101.
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