New Haven — New Haven police are investigating after a 79-year-old man walking home from work said he was beaten and robbed by a group of five youths.

Police responded to the man's home at about 6:30 p.m. Sunday after getting a call from his wife. The victim, who had made his way home after the attack, was taken to the hospital.

He told investigators he was hit from behind and attacked by five people, one on a bike, and one he described as obese. Police described them as black youths.

The man was punched, kicked and thrown to the ground and likely lost consciousness, and his backpack and wallet were stolen. The wallet later was recovered.

Detectives are reviewing video surveillance in hopes of identifying the attackers.