Pensioner, 73, left terrified after travellers 'circle him in cars' and threaten him in menacing attack

The 73-year-old was walking his dog on the playing field at Portsmouth Rugby Club, in Hilsea, when nine caravans illegally invaded the outdoor area.

The man, who The News is not identifying, claimed he was then circled by two cars, driven by ‘two stocky men’ who were trying to ‘intimidate’ him, after he made a comment to one of them.

Describing the menacing incident, the pensioner said: ‘The cars came across the field as my dog was doing its business.

‘They had their windows down so I said to one of them “enjoy yourself because you won’t be here that long – I’ll be calling the police”.

‘They then circled me in their cars. In a thick Irish accent one said to me, “I don’t give a ****, you four-eyed, fat *******. If you carry on doing what you’re doing there will be a stabbing”.’

The incident is now being investigated by police and has since left the 73-year-old too terrified to leave his home.

‘It was incredibly frightening, they were trying to intimidate me,’ he added. ‘I’m shielding myself from coronavirus at the moment and getting out on the field is my only outdoor exercise. Now I’m totally locked down.’

A spokeswoman for Hampshire police said they were ‘aware’ of the encampment at the field, off Norway Road, and that officers had visited the scene.

She added: ‘We did receive a report regarding a verbal assault against a 73-year-old man who was walking in the fields at around midday yesterday. Enquires into this are ongoing.’

Meanwhile, another couple living near the field, claimed they were also verbally abused by travellers while walking their dog yesterday.

‘We were told, in no uncertain terms, to “f-off” when I told them the field wasn’t a campsite,’ said a 42-year-old man, who did not want to be named.

His 43-year-old partner added she was concerned about potential waste contaminating the field and has urged a clean-up team from Portsmouth City Council – which owns the site – to inspect the grounds.

‘This is normally a safe, enclosed area to walk our dog,’ she said. ‘Children play here. Now the travellers have been here, I certainly don’t want to walk our dog off the lead over there. I’m worried what he might come into contact with.’

The council said five of the nine caravans left the field last night, with four still remaining this morning.

A spokeswoman added: ‘Our community wardens team are completing welfare checks and have been informed that those remaining on site are leaving today. We will take legal action if those remaining do not leave the site.’

Those with information about the assault against the 73-year-old are urged to call police on 101, quoting reference number 44200180285.

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