A parking warden was grabbed around the throat in an attack by an angry driver.

Canterbury City Council says the incident is one of several assaults enforcement staff have been subjected to in recent weeks, alongside threats, racist abuse and insults.

One man in Herne Bay attacked a warden from behind and grabbed him around the throat.

Another driver - furious for being fined for overstaying in a one-hour space in the same town - swore at a warden and threatened to punch him in the mouth.

One driver in Canterbury who was ticketed after refusing to move from double yellow lines when asked to, allegedly pushed an enforcement officer.

As the officer walked away, the man then reportedly attacked him from behind and hit him in the head with his mobile phone.

Another driver is said to have racially abused a parking warden, after receiving a ticket for parking on a footpath.

Police are investigating all four incidents.

The spate has prompted the city council to warn they will push for the toughest possible sanctions via the police and the courts.

Cabinet member for enforcement Cllr Ashley Clark said: “This sort of behaviour is simply not on and we are determined to come down on these people like a ton of bricks.

“We will always push the police and the courts to impose the most serious punishment available. It’s simple - if you follow the rules like the vast majority of people, you will not get a ticket.

“Civil enforcement officers are someone’s loved one, parents, brothers, sisters and friends who are just doing their jobs and don’t deserve the abuse they receive while going about their business."