A mugger was punched senseless after trying to take on a bus mechanic in an Oxford graveyard.

The would-be robber jumped out of a bush and lunged at 40-year-old Tony Surman as the Oxford Bus Company employee took a short-cut home through Rose Hill Cemetery, in Church Cowley Road, at 11.30pm on Monday.

He grabbed the father-of-two and punched as he demanded money.

But Mr Surman, an engineer for the bus operator, replied with two punches to the thief’s stomach and head, knocking him to the ground.

He said: “This bloke came out from between a bush and a tree, grabbed my left arm and said ‘give me your money mate’.

“I swore at him and he punched me in the side by my ribs.

“I only had £20 on me but I work hard for my money and I wasn’t going to let someone like him take it.

“So I whacked him between the ribs and the stomach and then smacked him straight in the face.”

Mr Surman, of Asquith Road, Rose Hill, had been out with friends that night at the William Morris pub, in Cowley.

After leaving his attacker on the ground, Mr Surman left the graveyard and alerted a neighbour, who called police.

Officers arrived almost immediately and although a dog searched the area, the hooded attacker had gone.

Mr Surman added: “He wasn’t the biggest of builds and not much difference in size to me.

“When he hit me, I just thought ‘is that the best you can do?’ “So I hit him back. I know I hurt him and I want him caught.

“But I’ll still walk home that way. I don’t care. I’m not going to be frightened and let it rule my life.”

The attacker was wearing a dark hooded top and bright white trainers. He is about 6ft tall and in his early 20s.

Det Sgt Steve Raffield, of Oxford police’s robbery team, said: “This is a very serious incident, and potentially very frightening.

“We would advise that people avoid walking on their own late at night and to take care.”

Anyone with information should call Oxford police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.