THE father of a man who suffered a fractured eye socket in a brutal attack and robbery at their family business, has said his son had been left badly shaken by the assault.

Peter Larkin said his 31-year-old son was a "tough guy" but the attack at 7.40pm on Saturday would take a lot of getting over for the whole family.

Mr Larkin's son was knocked unconscious after approaching three people at Allington Boat Yard near Maidstone. He asked them to leave the site but as he tried to open the gate for them he was punched causing him to hit his head, which knocked him out.

CCTV images show him being repeatedly kicked while unconscious on the ground.

The three finally made their escape, after stealing his phone, wallet and digital camera, leaving their beaten victim still out cold.

"They didn't even know, or apparently care, if my son was alive," said Mr Larkin.

Mr Larkin's son eventually came round and staggered back into his family home.

"The most tragic part of it all was as he fell in his own back door in the kitchen was his five-year-old daughter who witnessed her father in this dreadful condition," stressed Mr Larkin. "He now has one very frightened and very traumatised five-year-old."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. This call is free and confidential.

Police have arrested a 35-year-old man from the Medway Towns in connection with the incident.