A cyclist was punched by a pedestrian in an unprovoked attack as he rode along the promenade at Hythe.

Leigh Rose was riding between the cafe and the swimming pool when he said a man “lunged” into his pathway and threw a punch, narrowly missing his face.

Mr Rose, of Albert Road, Hythe, said he flinched and the fist hit his upper arm, causing a large bruise to form.

He said the attack was unprovoked. After getting off his bike, the pair then engaged in a heated argument, which he said was in front of about 50 people who were enjoying their evening at the beach on Saturday.

Mr Rose, a charity worker, said: “I phoned the police and the attacker refused to wait for them and walked off with his wife.

“I ride a small-wheeled commuter folding bike which does not go very fast.”

The 48-year-old says he rides daily, with the promenade being a regular route.

Mr Rose said he was “carefully” passing two elderly cyclists on his left and was about six to seven feet away from the man and his wife when it happened.

“I followed them and the police eventually joined us in the High Street,” he said.

“Officers took details but said there wasn’t much they could do as it was my word against his, ignoring the fact that there were multiple witnesses and I also have a visible injury.”

Mr Rose is appealing for anyone who saw the incident to call the police.

“I don’t want it to happen to anyone else,” he said.

“I could have been an elderly man, but luckily I am quite robust and I managed to take it quite well.”

A police spokesman said: “We received a report of an alleged assault at 7.44pm.

A cyclist reported he received a minor injury following an altercation.

“Officers attended the scene in Princes Parade, Hythe and carried out inquiries.”

Any witnesses to the incident can contact police on 01843 222289 quoting ZY/30159/16.