A fundraising campaign has been launched after an elderly man was robbed on his doorstep and left covered in blood.

The incident happened Heathland View, Darland, Chatham yesterday when the pensioner was attacked by a gang of men who then stole his car keys.

The incident was reported on Facebook by Daniela Golding, who said she felt "sick to her stomach" after she returned from the school run to find police and ambulance crews in the road.

The emergency services were there because her elderly neighbour had been attacked and beaten after a trio of thugs knocked on his door and punched him.

They then entered his home stole his car keys and took his car.

The three minute attack left the pensioner blooded and bruised and his wife terrified.

Daniela Golding who lives on the estate said: "These men were hanging around when I left for the school run and I didn’t notice a thing, it’s awful that we can’t even feel safe in our own homes anymore."

"My neighbour is a well known, well respected hard working man and this incident happened at 3.20pm with the three men arriving in the area at 2.45pm and loitering in the alley next door which leads to Darland Banks.

"They were watching a lot of the neighbours go on the school run before they knocked on his door and assaulted him forcing themselves into his home they also assaulted another elderly woman relative who was visiting.

"They demanded money before eventually fleeing in my neighbours car.

"My neighbour was left beaten and covered in blood which my children had to witness and cannot understand why anyone would do that to someone let alone someone elderly.

"They are a lovely hard working family who did not deserve this.

"Also a lovely guy Alex Jackson has set up a go fund me for my neighbours, we can’t replace their car but it can help give them a nice treat that they deserve after this."

Mr Jackson wrote on the fundrasing page: "This fundraiser is for the couple on Heathland View, Darland, Chatham who were the victims of a horrific doorstep robbery, where an elderly gentleman was assaulted and his car keys stolen.

"As a community we feel it’s important to support the couple who have been victims of this awful crime.

"We hope to raise enough funds give the couple a nice experience to try to detract from the ordeal they have been put through, whilst letting them know their wider community is thinking of them."

The aim is to raise £1,000 for the family, so far £120 has been pledged.

To donate to the cause, click here.

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