A man attacked in the street when he tried to calm a row between teenagers may need a hip replacement operation.

Philip Evans, 66, of Kirkheaton, was set upon when he tried to intervene in a dispute between two youths.

Mr Evans approached the youths in Bankfield Lane, Kirkheaton, on Friday night when he saw them arguing.

Police said when he asked them to stop he was struck and fell. He was hit on the head and coiled himself into a ball on the ground to protect himself as more blows rained down.

An ambulance was called and Mr Evans was taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary where he was detained for treatment.

His son Jonathan, 20, who lives with his dad, told how his father was waiting for his injuries to settle before doctors could say whether his broken hip would be pinned or if he would need a replacement.

“It’s a real shock what happened,” said Jonathan. “I have seen my dad in hospital but he is still a little confused and doesn’t remember much about what happened.”

Jonathan told how he had also been out on Friday night and when he returned he didn’t realise at first that his father hadn’t come home.

“I had been to a friend’s and come in and had a coffee and thought my dad was in bed. It was only when I went upstairs that he found he hadn’t come home.”

Kirkheaton attack victim Philip Evans

Jonathan rang the accident and emergency unit at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. Staff confirmed his dad had been brought in but couldn’t say how badly hurt he was.

Jonathan went to the hospital and saw his dad. “He wanted to leave but he wasn’t going anywhere because he couldn’t move.

“We now have to wait and see what happens.”

Jonathan said it was the second time his dad, who used to work in the motor trade, had been attacked while on his way home from the pub.

“I just want to let people know how dangerous it can be being out on your own late at night,” he said.

Det Insp Andy Leonard, of Kirklees CID, said a 16-year-old had been arrested and released on bail.

The attack happened around midnight on Friday into Saturday and any witnesses should contact Det Con Oliver Scoones on 101.

In unrelated investigations, police would like to speak to the people pictured in the image gallery below.

The people pictured in the images may be witnesses as well as suspects.

If you recognise anyone, contact police on 101 quoting the reference number on the image caption.