An eye surgeon fears he may have suffered lasting damage after he was knocked unconscious during a brutal and unprovoked attack while visiting Kent.

Sergio Pagliarini needed six stitches and was left “shaken and nervous” following the random act of violence in Canterbury.

Just hours earlier the 62-year-old, who lives in Warwickshire, says he had been telling friends how “calm and tranquil” the cathedral city was.

But the peace of his trip was shattered at about 11.15pm on Saturday when he was punched in the face by a man in Burgate, near the junction with Canterbury Lane.

The blow knocked him to the ground and left him briefly unconscious, with his head just inches from striking a kerb opposite St Thomas of Canterbury church.

The consultant ophthalmologist, who was walking back to his car after enjoying dinner with friends, told KentOnline: “There was a couple, a young man in his early 20s and a very young looking lady, approaching from the opposite direction on the opposite side of the road.

“I was not looking at this man and did not realise that he walked across the road and fully charged his fist to punch me on my left jaw. He made me fall, hitting flat out and full weight to the cobblestones with my forehead.

“All of a sudden, my face was on the ground – I got up and moved towards him [the attacker] and he ran away.

“Whenever I tell the story or show the pictures, I get the same reaction because it means nobody is really safe, and now I'm a bit worried about long-term consequences.

“I’ve still got discomfort while chewing, although we’ve ruled out a fractured jaw.

“Just a few hours earlier I was telling my old friends in Italy how beautiful, calm and tranquil Canterbury is – this ruined my trip.”

Italian-born Mr Pagliarini, who was visiting the city with his partner, spent seven hours at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, where medics treated his wounds and monitored him for concussion.

Despite his traumatic experience, he has nothing but praise for the passers-by who were on hand to help him.

“The witnesses and a group of young lads who walked by within minutes were very lovely and very supportive,” he said.

“They were also genuinely horrified at how this can happen in a place like Canterbury.

“If there is one good thing, it was how well I was treated at Kent and Canterbury Hospital – they were excellent.”

Mr Pagliarini, who last visited the city 10 years ago, is now urging police to do all they can to catch his attacker.

“There were not many people around so you can narrow it down - it should be possible to review the cameras before they are wiped out,” he said.

“For everyone’s safety, police need to act.”

Police say an investigation is ongoing and have urged witnesses, or anyone with information, to call 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/99604/24.

Canterbury District Commander Chief Inspector Paul Stoner said: “We are investigating a report that a man was assaulted in Burgate, Canterbury at around 11.15pm on Saturday 16 June 2024.

“The incident happened near the junction with Canterbury Lane and the victim required hospital treatment for injuries he sustained.

“Our dedicated city centre officers are currently reviewing CCTV and speaking to potential witnesses to identify the suspect.

“There is no place for this sort of behaviour and we will explore every viable option to ensure they are brought to justice as swiftly as possible.

“Canterbury has dedicated officers, both in uniform and in plain clothes, who carry out regular patrols around the clock to tackle antisocial behaviour and work with local businesses and security staff to keep the city centre safe.

“We’re fortunate to have a thriving city centre community and we will do all we can to keep it a safe place for everyone to enjoy responsibly.”