With additional reporting from Alan Smith

A father is fighting for his life after an assault outside a pub in a town centre.

Andrew Looseley was knocked to the ground with a single punch outside the Hare and Hounds in Maidstone on Saturday evening.

Now, the father-of-six, from Chatham, is currently in a critical condition in hospital, unable to talk while doctors try to save his life.

Andrew, who also known as Kevin by close friends and family, has been described as a "kind and gentle giant" by his family.

"Seeing my dad in hospital just laying there breaks my heart," daughter Bethany Looseley explained.

"It makes me feel helpless because I can't help him apart from hold his hand.

"I never thought I'd see him like that as he's do independent.

"My dad will get through this because he's a huge fighter and has all the love and support from his family and close friends.

"I need my dad, I can't lose him. I love him so much."

Bethany, 20, said her father, who is captain of the Hare and Hounds pool team, is always one to make a joke.

Close friend Jay Ryan who has been to visit Andrew multiple times since the incident has described seeing him laying in hospital fighting for his life.

He said: "Seeing him laying in hospital is heartbreaking. He is showing us signs that he is still fighting such as blinking when we talk to him.

"Andy, or as we know him, Kev, is such a kind hearted person with a lively personality.

"He has always been the person on our right hand side around the pool table saying "seriously" in his jokey way when we miss an easy shot and always has a smile on his face.

"I'm proud to call him my mate. Since the incident life has been quiet and just doesn't feel right."

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

"We haven't left yet, it's horrible seeing Kev like this," he said.

"Kev has everyone around him. He didn't deserve this. We keep telling him to keep fighting because his family need him.

"We've got the be there for whole family during this horrible time."

Hare and Hound landlord Matthew Bryant witnessed the attack.

Wife Caroline Bryant described hearing a sickening sound as the victim hit the floor.

Mrs Bryant, who was behind the bar, said: "It was a nice Saturday evening. There were girls and lads round the back playing pool, having fun. The evening just went on happily until suddenly it didn't.

"It was a nice happy evening that turned into a complete disaster."

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

Paramedics arrived within five minutes and worked on the Chatham man for 30 minutes at the road side, before he was taken first to Maidstone Hospital and then transferred to a London hospital.

Mr Bryant, who has known the victim for 10 years, said: "Kevin is a big bloke, 6ft 1in, and 16 stone, but he's very placid. He's never the type to starts 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.

Mrs Bryant added: "We are just keeping our fingers crossed and hoping that Kev recovers."

Two men have now been arrested, a 25-year old man from Maidstone on suspicion of affray, and a 19-year-old boy, on suspicion of assault.

A 25-year old man detained following the incident on suspicion of affray has been bailed to return to police on September 14.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The pub was the scene of an IRA bombing in 1975, thwarted only by the quick-thinking of a teenage soldier.

If you have information about the assault, call police on 01622 604100 quoting crime reference 46/162838/22.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.