An animal-lover in her 70s was attacked in her own home after four teenagers smashed down a historic wall at the back of her house and started hurling bricks at her.

The Comet: Margaret Gregory pictured in her garden was attacked at her home on Friday night by four late teensMargaret Gregory pictured in her garden was attacked at her home on Friday night by four late teens (Image: Archant)

Margaret Gregory was about to watch BBC soap EastEnders on Friday night at her Park Gate home in Hitchin town centre when she heard a loud bang just before 8pm.

When she went to investigate she found four young men ‘in their late teens’ hacking away at her 200-year-old wall with a metal hammer.

As shocked former probation officer Margaret called the police, at least one of the thugs had forced his way into her garden and started throwing bricks they’d dislodged from the wall.

Margaret said: “There was a teenager with blond hair who was laughing when I told him the police were on their way.

“They smashed a number of beautiful porcelain pots in my garden that have a great sentimental value.”

Police arrived in a matter of minutes, with two of the officers immediately giving chase in a bid to corner the quartet.

Margaret has described the incident as ‘mindless destruction’ and the experience has made her think seriously about moving from Hitchin – her home for many years.

She said: “I felt dreadful. I was angry. It appears they have no conscience in attacking a defenceless 71-year-old woman.

“I want these people to be found and named and shamed.

“They must have mothers. I would say to their mothers: ‘You need to report your sons to the police before they do something worse’.

“Someone knows who these people are – and once they are caught I want to meet them and ask them why they carried out this senseless attack.

“I am a strong person and very young for my age, but it has made me think twice about continuing to live in Hitchin.”

The ancient wall had previously been saved from demolition by heritage campaigner Scilla Douglas who also lived in Park Gate before her death last year.

Anyone with any information should contact police via 101, quoting crime reference G1/16/239.