A MAN savagely beaten outside his own house after trying to stop a yob from pelting his property with rocks has said he wouldn't do it again.

The 40-year-old IT consultant, who asked not to be named, told the Daily Echo that householders should instead photograph thugs and dial 999.

The father-of-two needed five hours of reconstructive surgery to rebuild a cheekbone after he confronted the thug barefooted and wearing only a pair of boxer shorts.

The attack happened at about 1.30am on Saturday after the man's wife was woken by the sound of rubble from a skip on the driveway being thrown at the house.

"I was concerned for the security of the house and the safety of the children," said the man. "Our sons' bedrooms are at the front. I only went out to have a word."

His wife, who witnessed the "frenzied" attack, said: "He was just punching and punching."

The dangers to householders defending their property were highlighted last August when Warrington salesman Garry Newlove was kicked to death by drunken yobs as he tried to stop them vandalising his wife's car.

The Corfe Mullen assault victim, who was made redundant six weeks ago and forced to cancel a job interview, is urging homeowners to put their personal safety first.

"The first thing you should do is open the curtains and take photographs, rather than risk confrontation, however innocent you may think the conversation will be," the man said.

Mid-Dorset and North Poole MP Annette Brooke said: "The man is right in terms of his message to the general public.

"People do need to take care, because we don't know if actions like this are fuelled by drink or drugs."

Police are hunting a white man, aged 22 to 30, between 5ft 8in and 5ft 10in tall, with short, dark hair, clean shaven, of slim build and wearing a dark jacket.

He was accompanied by a woman, aged between 20 and 26, about 5ft 8in tall, with blonde, bobbed hair, wearing tight jeans, a light jacket, high-heeled woven sandals and carrying a metallic-looking bag.

Officers also want to talk to the driver of a silver taxi who stopped and talked to the man's wife.

He was looking for a fare, say the police, and may have been called by the wanted couple.

  • Anyone with information should call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.