A PENSIONER has died after he tried to stop two teenage thugs attacking his sons in a chilling echo of the murder of Garry Newlove.

One sick yob said: Here you go grandad, have this and punched frail John Coupe, 76, in the head after he rushed out of his home.

Dad-of-five John suffered head injuries and a broken back. He died two weeks later in hospital from a suspected heart attack.

Last night son Mark, 34, said: Its like the Newlove case all over again.

Dad did his best for his family. He died a frightened old man in agony. These yobs are the scum of the earth.

The thugs had savagely set upon Mark and brother Brian, 54, in an unprovoked attack as they sat in a car outside the family home in Blackburn, Lancs.

Police arrested youths of 19 and 17 on suspicion of assault.

 

They were later released on bail.

Marks sister Julie, 45, told how her daughter Natasha, 16, was too upset to leave her grandads body in the chapel of rest.

Julie said: She just sat stroking his hair, crying

You see this kind of thing on TV and think it only happens to others.

Helen Newlove, 46 whose hubby Garry, 47, was kicked to death by yobs last August called Mr Coupes death disgraceful.

She said: Our streets arent safe.