A 12-year-old boy passed out as he was punched in the face and kicked to the ground in a shocking attack by a "fully-grown man".

Owen Keeley, from Sandwich, had just been to the Co-op to buy sweets with his older brother and younger sister when he was set upon near St Barts Road.

The youngster has been left with a bruised face and a swollen nose - and is now too terrified to leave his house.

His family and police are appealing for witnesses after his attacker - described as stocky, bearded and wearing a tracksuit - fled the scene.

Owen's dad James Keeley says the children had been two minutes away from home when they began throwing sweets into each other's mouths. One accidentally hit a small black car that was driving past.

"The car turned around and started chasing them," the 38-year-old said.

"They got to the bus stop by Woodnesborough Road, near St Barts Road, and a man got out of the car.

"Owen tried to apologise and said 'I'm sorry it was an accident' but the man punched him in the face.

"Owen fell to the floor and blacked out.

"When he was coming back round this bloke was still kicking, shouting and stamping on him.

"Then [the man] got back in the car, which was being driven by a woman, and just drove off.

"This person needs to be caught. For a fully-grown man to do that to a 12-year-old it's outrageous."

After the nasty assault at about 8.10pm on Friday, October 14, the children immediately called Mr Keeley and his partner who rushed to Owen's aid. But the driver was nowhere to be seen.

Owen now keeps having flashbacks and is too scared to go out in case something else happens.

Mr Keeley is now hoping any witnesses will come forward.

"A bus was going past at the time so we are hoping we can get the CCTV from that," he added.

"It could possibly have had witnesses on board, including the driver."

Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident.

The suspect is described as white, between 25 and 30 years old, around 5ft 7ins tall, of stocky build and with a beard.

He is said to have been wearing a black tracksuit and white trainers.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam or CCTV footage which may assist the investigation is urged to call Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/199462/22.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form.