AN ATTACK on a homeless man demonstrates the need for a new multi-million pound hostel which opened in Maidstone, according to the town's MP.

John Sayers, 31, was unable to take part in the official opening of Lily Smith House after being badly beaten up.

Mr Sayers had been due to talk to VIPs about the plight of people like himself at the opening of a purpose-built hostel and day centre for the homeless in Knightrider Street, Maidstone, on Monday.

The £3.8m complex aims to help them learn the life skills to enable them to live independently in the community. It is the result of a joint partnership between English Churches Housing Group, Maidstone Christian Care and Maidstone Borough Council.

Maidstone and the Weald MP Ann Widdecombe, who unveiled a commemorative project at the opening, said: "I couldn't believe it when I saw him. I was appalled but not surprised, that is the sad thing about it. Sadly, it is all too commonplace. It is a very good demonstration of why we need provisions for people like that. If we were to go away there would be six times as many victims."

Mr Sayers, who has been sleeping rough for one-and-a-half years, said he was punched and kicked by a man in Maidstone town centre at about 6pm on September 11. He was treated at the accident and emergency department at Maidstone Hospital.

He said: "The person who attacked me was 6ft-plus. He said I owed him money but I didn't. I was rushed to Maidstone Hospital's accident and emergency department where I had X-rays. The nurses said I was lucky there were no broken bones."