A Romanian rough sleeper who had his savings and passport stolen while trying to support his family overseas has made it home for Christmas thanks to a community’s kindness.

Sebastian Saramet was spotted camped outside the Nisa Local in St Vincent’s Road, Dartford last month.

The 24-year-old had been sleeping rough in the town with his friend in the town centre when he was the victim of a brutal attack.

But now, with the help of residents and the local councillor, he has been able to fly home to his native Romania for the holidays.

Cllr Laura Edie, Green Party councillor for Newtown, said the community came together after spotting the kind-hearted man sleeping on the pavement outside the shop a few weeks ago.

“Everyone gave him food and looked out for him,” she said. “There was a language barrier but we found out he had suffered a lot of bad luck and he just needed to get home.”

Cllr Edie discovered the foreign national had been working in Preston, Lancashire and saving money to send home to his family.

But he had been robbed and had all his savings and his passport stolen.

He had then come to Dartford and had been sleeping rough when he was the victim of an additional assault.

Cllr Edie, who works as a SEN teaching assistant, explained: “He was attacked in town and had made his way to Newtown. When we saw him he had a swollen face and a black eye.”

After hearing of his situation, Cllr Edie said she contacted Kent-based homeless charity Porchlight, Dartford council and the Romanian Embassy and steps were put in place to get him back home.

In the meantime, residents put together a backpack of essentials to make his days on the street slightly more comfortable.

Cllr Edie and her Green party colleagues have also set up the Dartford Care Backpacks scheme, an appeal asking people to donate essential items and toiletries at a designated spot to be put in rucksacks for the homeless.

If you'd like to donate email backpacks@dartford-gravesham-greens.co.uk.

Cllr Edie said: “It was truly heart-warming to see everyone come forward to look out for him, from individuals offering him food and warm clothing to the compassionate support shown to him from Dartford Council and Porchlight.

“No matter what narrative we are fed from those in power, it wasn't what I witnessed - just kindness and a desire to help.

She added: “Sebastian couldn't wait to return safely, cleanly shaven and with a fresh haircut.

“Before leaving, I gave him a little extra money as a surprise gift for his family, which the community and individuals who were touched by his story had donated.”

Cllr Edie said she was particularly touched by Sebastian who, despite having nothing, only thought of others.

“Sebastian was one of the kindest people I've met,” she added. “I remember one night when we were standing in the torrential rain trying to arrange temporary accommodation, with an impending storm coming, he kept offering his umbrella to me.

“I will always remember the pure generosity of someone who had just about nothing, still wanting to look out and care for others.”