More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A gang of yobs tipped two unsuspecting kayakers into a river in an unprovoked attack.
David Breuer was paddling along the River Medway at Yalding when a group of youths started shouting at him and a friend who was travelling with him.
Four of the group jumped into the water and headed for the craft - before flipping it over and tossing the two pals into the river.
"I went towards the side where it is shallower," the 20-year-old said. "They arrived at the boat, two in front and two at the back, and I screamed at them not to do it.
"The whole thing was tipped over into the water. I am not an experienced swimmer, but I had a life jacket on.
"It was very distressing, I was never so angry in my life. I just hope they get caught."
The incident, which happened on Wednesday at 4.15pm in a bend of the river close to The Boathouse pub, was witnessed by a number of people on the riverside.
One eyewitness, who did not wish to be named, expressed their shock that many bystanders simply laughed at the plight of the two victims, rather than attempting to help them.
While the two kayakers - part of a group of friends holidaying in Kent - were helped from the water, the gang who had tipped them in fled in two vehicles.
Geraldine Brown is chairman of Yalding Parish Council and she says unfortunately this is far from an isolated incident of antisocial behaviour by the river and in the village.
"It's appalling," she said of the attack on the kayakers.
Cllr Brown went on to explain how the warm weather and the river combine to bring youngsters flocking to the area.
"At times we have got 100 kids in the place, the water attracts them, throwing stones, jumping on boats. They are running amok.
"It is causing problems for villagers and for businesses, people are threatening to move away. I don't know what the answer is, but it's driving people up the wall."
Cllr Brown says youths have been known to hassle local shops and have left nitrous oxide canisters strewn about the village.
The attack on Mr Breuer, a volunteer from Hackney, has been reported to the police and they are now appealing for witnesses who saw the incident to come forward.
A Kent Police spokesman said: "It is reported that a number of teenagers swimming in the water approached the kayak and deliberately tipped it over, forcing the occupants into the water. Officers attended and an investigation is ongoing."
Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting reference 46/141573/20
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