Ex-marine Frank, 83, attacked by thug

ATTACKED . . . ex-marine Frank Marchington (83), pictured with his daughter, Deborah

POLICE are hunting a cowardly yob who attacked an 83-year-old with dementia and stole his beloved watch — which he has treasured since his days in the Special Forces.

Frank Marchington (83), who served with the elite Special Boat Service in danger spots around the world in the 1950s and 1960s, was walking along Lord Lane, Failsworth on Monday evening.

The pensioner - on his way to the pub - was attacked from behind by a thug who punched him in the head and stole his wallet and Omega watch, worth around £4,000.

The family of the former Royal Marine has taken to Facebook to appeal for help to catch the culprit and recover the watch. Thousands have already shared the Facebook posts of Frank’s family members

Frank, a father of three and great-grandfather, bought the watch while serving in Bahrain.

His son-in-law, Brad Wharton, said: “Frank was attacked from behind and thrown to the ground. Then his wallet and his beloved watch, which he has had from his days with the Royal Marines and SBS, were stolen. The watch has massive sentimental value.”

April Marchington, Frank’s grand daughter, said: “Something you can’t class as a person, more like absolute scum, attacked my grandad from behind.

“I’m asking all my Facebook friends to share this and if you have any information at all, anything, please get in contact.

Policer are investigating