A 78-year-old councillor was punched repeatedly in the face outside his home – all just to rob him of £3.15.

The brutal battering put councillor Pat Scanlan in hospital for five days after he suffered major bruising around both his eyes and face.

The retired wages clerk from Milton Road heard the sound of a woman screaming as he was strolling home at around 10pm from a meeting with Swanscombe and Greenhithe Residents Association earlier this month.

Mr Scanlan, who has been a councillor for 12 years, said: “There was a lady walking in front of me and she suddenly screamed and ran off across the road. Then this man just came out of nowhere and punched me square in the face.

“I staggered back and before I could retaliate he hit me again. I think he was either on drink or drugs by the way he was acting” - Cllr Scanlan

“I staggered back and before I could retaliate he hit me again. I think he was either on drink or drugs by the way he was acting.”

The pensioner said he collapsed onto the pavement, but this didn’t stop the robber hitting him in the face yet again.

“Over and over again he kept saying: "where’s the money?’ I can’t remember how many times he hit me. I just remember him repeating that over and over again.”

A passing driver found the injured town councillor and phoned the police when he saw the state of him.

Kent Police has arrested a 20-year-old man from Greenhithe over the alleged robbery and assault.

He has been bailed until January 12 pending further enquires. Mr Scanlan has expressed his frustration over his bail release.

He said: “I’m angry about it. I don’t think it is safe for him to be out. He’s a risk to public safety. My fellow councillors agree with me."

Despite the horrific ordeal, Mr Scanlan is rather chipper and making a good recovery.

“There is no point in letting it get you down,” he said. “I don’t think I have any reason to be scared. I don’t think he would recognise me and I am usually quite alert.”