A father-of-six has died in hospital after being attacked outside a town centre pub.

Andrew Looseley, from Chatham, was fighting for his life at King's College Hospital for five days after being assaulted outside the Hare and Hounds pub in Maidstone.

The "gentle giant", also known as Kevin, was knocked to the ground with a single punch in Lower Boxley Road on Saturday evening.

But sadly, on Wednesday, he died from his injuries.

His family and friends are devastated by the popular punter's death.

Daughter Bethany Looseley, 20, previously described her father as a "huge fighter" as he lay in hospital in a critical condition.

She said: "Its hard trying to figure out what my dad did wrong, however he didn't do anything wrong, he was hit in the face passed away after fighting so hard for his life.

"My dad has been taken way to from us far quickly.

"My dad did not deserve any of this his such a caring man, some times we don't see eye to eye but he's been my dad throughout and always will be even if his now flying high.

"I can't get my head around it I still think I'll be able to see him or call him next week or he'll be doing his food deliveries for the homeless, or working, I already miss him so much.

"He has helped me through a lot, he helped moved me and his son in law into our first home together, he helped me when things got tough, he gave me advice to always be strong and move forward, he was a character of funniness and some times sarcasm but he was my dad and that's all I cared about.

"I can't believe my dad has been taken from me, he made a change in so many lives and loved so many people.

"He was always devoted and strong when it came to family he would try to help even if there was no way of helping, I could count on him especially when the going to tough.

"I will forever love and cherish my memories with him.

"It's hard knowing he won't be able to be there to see my success in the future, but I know he'll be looking down. I'll do anything to make you proud dad as you have made me proud. I love you so much. Until we meet again."

Son-in-law Terry Shorthouse described how the family dropped everything after hearing the news and rushed to the hospital.

“Kev had everyone around him. He didn’t deserve this. We kept telling him to keep fighting because his family need him.”

Since the incident, John Gibbs, 18, of Nickley Wood, Ashford, was charged on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Following the attack, landlord Matthew Bryant, 51, who has been at the Hare and Hounds since 2015 and a landlord for 23 years, immediately gave first aid, putting Mr Looseley in the recovery position.

Paramedics arrived within five minutes and worked on him for 30 minutes at the roadside, before he was taken to Maidstone Hospital. He was later transferred to London.

Mr Bryant, who has known the victim for 10 years, said: “Kevin is a big bloke, 6ft 1in, and 16st, but he’s very placid.

“He’s never the type to start any fight or look for trouble.

“He’s a popular member of our community, well respected.

“He works for charity and will put his heart and soul into doing anything to help others.”

Mr Bryant has handed over the pub’s CCTV to the police to help the investigation.

The assault was also witnessed by a number of the pub’s patrons who had been sitting outside, at around 7.45pm on Saturday.

Police are appealing for witnesses. Call 01622 604100 quoting crime reference 46/162838/22