The father of a man knocked unconscious outside a pub in Deal has thanked the emergency services for an “impressive” response that possibly saved his life.

The 22-year-old, who has asked to remain anonymous, was enjoying farewell drinks with friends from Deal and Betteshanger Rugby Club on Saturday night, two days before he was due to embark on a new career in Germany.

But when he left the Walmer Castle pub in South Street at about 12.45am, he was jumped by a man, hit on the head and knocked unconscious on the pavement.

His father, who we are not naming to protect his son’s identity, said: “He couldn’t have defended himself. He hit the pavement and was knocked out for some time.”

The emergency services raced to his aid, including police, technicians from South East Coast Ambulance Service and Kent Air Ambulance medics.

But the concerned dad said his son was too unwell to be conveyed by air, so the helicopter’s medics accompanied him in a land ambulance to King’s College Hospital in London, a journey that took 76 minutes.

“We want to thank the emergency services who were absolutely amazing,” he said.

For the full story, including the police appeal, see this week's Mercury.