A thief who punched a pensioner in the face before stealing from his home has been branded a "callous, cowardly thug".

Now police are appealing for information to help catch the attacker, who stole valuables worth up to £300 from the elderly man's house.

The assault and theft took place at 8.50pm on Sunday when an elderly man, who was at his home in Fern Field, noticed the silhouette of a man peering through his window.

He opened his front door to see who was there when the suspect assaulted him by punching him in the face several times, knocking him to the ground.

The attacker told the man he needed £300 and then stole cash, a gold skeleton watch - where the workings can be seen - and a gold coin.

He then ran off down an alleyway in the direction of Millfield.

The victim was treated in hospital for swelling to his face and was shaken up, but did not suffer any lasting injuries.

"The level of violence used against this elderly man in his own home is completely shocking..." - DI Louise Ludwig

DI Louise Ludwig, from Kent Police, said: "The level of violence used against this elderly man in his own home is completely shocking.

"Whoever did this is a callous, cowardly thug who should be thoroughly ashamed, and we urgently want to find him and bring him to justice."

The suspect is described as a white, well-built man, aged in his late teens or early 20s, 5ft 10in tall. He was wearing a light blue zipped up hooded top with the hood up and dark grey tracksuit bottoms.

DI Ludwig added: "Somebody in the local area knows who this is and I would urge anyone with information to contact us.

"Do you know anyone who was desperate for £300? – such a specific amount of money to demand from the victim. Also, do you know anyone who has sold or tried to sell a gold watch?"

Anyone with information is asked to phone DS Ian Watson on 01303 289088 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.