Thugs force old soldier from home

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An 81-year-old retired soldier said he may be forced to move house after being beaten up by a gang near his home.

Lawrence Harland, who has been decorated by the Queen, said he had been terrorised in recent years by children as young as 12.

Mr Harland, who lives in east Belfast, said he was attacked and beaten as recently as Friday on his way from his club.

"I got off the bus and I was attacked and kicked to the ground," he said.

The veteran serviceman said he was beaten as he lay on the ground and needed hospital treatment for his injuries.

Mr Harland said he had tried confronting the youths in recent months but had been further targeted as a result.