Elderly man allegedly assaulted in terrifying mid-afternoon attack at a Peterborough home

An elderly man's afternoon took a violent turn when an intruder allegedly stormed his backyard and punched him in the face, in an unprovoked attack in a quiet SA town.

Police will allege a man aged in his 70s was in the rear yard of his property just before 3pm on Monday when the disturbing incident happened.

A man has been arrested after allegedly assaulting an elderly man in his backyard at Peterborough on Monday afternoon

Police will allege a man aged in his 70s was in the rear yard of his property just before 3pm on Monday when he heard another man causing a disturbance in the street.

According to police, the man then entered the alleged victim’s yard and confronted him. The victim was allegedly punched in the face and his glasses were knocked off, before the man walked away.

The suspect was seen taking mail from neighbours’ letterboxes, police allege.

Police soon arrested a 46-year-old Peterborough man and charged him with aggravated assault.

He did not apply for bail and will appear in the Port Pirie Magistrates Court on Tuesday.