A pensioner has been knocked to the ground by a "cowardly" thug who hit him over the head while he walked his dog.

The 76-year-old man was targeted as he returned to his home in Canterbury Road, Hawkinge.

His attacker struck close to the White Horse pub and a bus shelter at about 5.45pm last Tuesday.

The thug fled empty handed after assaulting the victim, who was wearing a trilby hat.

Kent Police are appealing for anyone in the area at the time who might have seen the victim on his way home or anyone else acting suspiciously to come forward.

DC Maxine Harris, from Kent Police, said: "This was a cowardly act against a defenceless, elderly man.

"Fortunately such incidents are very rare, particularly in this area, which is why it is important that we seek to identify and arrest the offender as soon as possible."

Anyone with information is asked to phone DC Harris on 101, quoting crime reference ZY/3585/13, or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.