The family of an 83-year-old war veteran with dementia moved him from a Herne Bay care home after he was bitten by a rat while he slept.

Great-grandfather Cyril Neame suffered a wound to his hand after the rodent sunk its teeth in at the Haydon Mayer Care Home in Albany Drive.

Kent County Council raised concerns about his care after discovering the bite mark when he was taken to hospital to be treated for cellulitis, which was unrelated.

His wife of 60 years, Mavis, 79, said: “It was such a shock because it’s such an unusual thing to happen. It was very upsetting.

“It didn’t seem real and it’s only afterwards you realise how bad it is.

“He was very worried about going back to the care home because he was worried that if he complained, he wouldn’t get good treatment.”

Daughter-in-law Natasha Ann Neame says the incident left Mr Neame, who fought in the Korean War, suffering with nightmares.

She said: “My mother-in-law had gone to see him and saw the rat bite. The staff told her they had given him a tetanus injection, but they hadn’t called us to tell us.

“At first he was joking about it, but then he started having nightmares about the incident. He said he feared the rats were going to get him when he was in hospital.”

Kent County Council spokesman Jo Toscano confirmed an investigation had been launched after Mr Neame was bitten last October.

She said: “Our investigation found that the staff had acted professionally and appropriately to safeguard residents.

“Mr Neame was later admitted to hospital with a condition unrelated to the rat bite and then decided he no longer wanted to remain at Haydon Mayer.

“Mr Neame’s case manager supported him to move to another nursing home after leaving hospital and we understand he has settled in well.”

Mavis says she does not blame staff, saying: “It’s one of those things, it’s so rare and unfortunate.”

The most recent CQC inspection of the care home found no problems with the quality of care provided.

Former postman Mr Neame is now living in a care home in Canterbury.

Stories you might have missed

Man dies after flat fire

Family's fury after zoo bans toddler's packed lunch

Murder accused 'too ill' to appear in court

Has sex pest struck again?