A tight-knit community is being "terrorised" after a number of random attacks, with claims several people have been punched in daylight assaults.

Two men out walking have been thumped in as many days this week in the latest unprovoked incidents in Lordswood, a residential area near Chatham.

One of them, the owner of a fish and chip shop in a parade of shops in Admirals Walk, was treated in hospital and had to have an x-ray.

Concerned traders in Admirals Walk have formed a community action group to make the streets safe again for staff and customers.

Staff at Lordswood School have been made aware and a police presence around the academy in Lordswood Lane has been requested.

Comments on social media describe a schoolboy being assaulted and a woman saying she was going to arm herself with pepper spray for protection.

Speaking on Thursday night, Nikki Wadsworth, manager of Lords Dry Cleaners, said: "Enough is enough. This has gone on for too long. People are feeling too scared to come out."

Sarbjit Mattu, 52, a local businessman of more than 20 years, was doing his daily walk along Lordswood Lane on Thursday morning when he was struck.

The father-of-two said: "I saw him out of the corner of my eye and stepped aside. If I had not done so, I could have been knocked to the ground or got a broken nose. He caught my cheek and I was bleeding."

Mr Mattu's face started to swell soon after and he went to A&E at Medway Maritime Hospital for treatment.

He said: "I can look after myself, but I'm very concerned for my young staff and elderly customers.

"He's got to be stopped before somebody ends up dead."

Another bystander, who did not wish to be named for fear of reprisals, said he was in Lordswood Lane at lunchtime when a man ran at him, punched him in the head, leaving him dazed and shocked.

"It all happened in seconds. He thumped me and then ran off."

The 30-year-old, who has lived in the area all his life, said some people were too frightened to venture outside and that it was "terrorising" the neighbourhood.

He said: "It all happened in seconds. He thumped me and then ran off."

He had been on his way to his sister's home to babysit his one year-old niece at midday on Tuesday when he was targeted

He said: "It doesn't bear thinking about what might have happened if I had a young child with me."

Police have confirmed they are investigating this incident.

Ms Wadsworth said: "All we want to know is that we are safe to go out without being hit. The safety of our customers and our staff is our priority.

"I've noticed more people coming into shops in pairs. Children are being told by their parents not to come out alone.

Police confirmed a man was arrested and taken into custody on Thursday and later charged.

John Dalley, 22, of Huckleberry Close, Lordswood denied a charge of causing actual bodily harm when he appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court on Monday.

He elected for his case to be heard at the court in Chatham and was granted conditional bail after Monday's appearance.

The case has been adjourned for a case management hearing.

A spokesman said this morning: "An investigation is ongoing, including inquiries into any other possible offences."

Anyone with information, who has yet to speak to police, is urged to call the North Kent Appeals Line on 01634 792209, quoting reference 46/XY/19316/22.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by using the online form on their website.