AN OFF-DUTY policeman leapt to the aid of a lifeguard who was being attacked in front of stunned swimmers at a Kent swimming pool.

The pool was packed with families spending a day of summer holidays at the Kingsmead leisure centre in Canterbury.

It is believed the victim, a 20-year-old male lifeguard, knew his attacker.

One witness, who asked not to be named, has expressed outrage the offender was allowed to walk into the pool area unchallenged.

He said: "I was there swimming when I noticed a man walk into the pool area. He assaulted a male member of staff. He grabbed him and punched several good punches to the face.

"It was completely unacceptable in front of children and families. It also raises security concerns – if you aren’t safe there, where are you?"

A spokesman for Kingsmead Leisure Centre said: "One of our lifeguards was on duty when he was attacked over what was a matter of past history.

"It was unfortunate the incident happened pool-side, but it was all dealt with in a very professional manner."

The lifeguard picked up a message board next to the pool to protect himself after the initial punch. But he dropped the board when the attacker ran at him.

It was at this point the off-duty policeman and another member of the public intervened. The attacker escaped out the complex.

A police spokesman said they had investigated the matter, which took place on Wednesday, August 24 at around 5.20pm.

An 18-year-old Canterbury man was arrested and later cautioned for assault.