An elderly man was threatened with a baseball bat and dragged from his car after challenging youths who had thrown bricks at his greenhouse.
Police told how the 75-year-old, who is battling cancer, was subjected to the ordeal in Partington, Trafford last night.
A senior officer said he was 'disgusted' by the incident, and vowed to bring those responsible to justice.
At about 7.45pm a group of youths were walking past Mill Bank Hall farm, in Lock Lane.
Some of the group began to throw bricks through the windows of a greenhouse, police said.
The man, the resident of the property, drove towards them in his car and began to remonstrate with them.
After approaching them, one of the group threatened him with a baseball bat.
He was then pulled from the vehicle, while one of the group got into his car and started 'revving the accelerator', officers said.
They then threw stones at his car, before leaving in the direction of Oak Road Park.
On the GMP Trafford North Facebook page, Sgt Jon Ezard said: "This was an absolutely needless incident by cowards.
"When attending this incident and listening to the victims account it actually made me feel disgusted.
"I promise there will be consequences for those involved when Identified.
"I will be working with our local Partner Agencies in the area to target those that continue to be involved in mindless Anti-Social Behaviour.
"Some of those involved are part of the group regularly causing issues at the shops at Oak Road.
"A line has been crossed."
Anyone with information can contact police on 101.
