A thief got more than he bargained for when he held up an ex-army sergeant at knife point.

Leonard Webber disarmed the robber and punched him in the face after he had demanded his wallet, mobile phone and watch.

The attacker empty handed after the incident, which happened at Milton Creek Country Park near the entrance of the Holy Trinity Church.

The 52-year-old was on his way to the grab himself a beef chow mein from a Chinese take away restaurant in North Street when he was approached by the man at about 5.10pm on Tuesday, October 28.

He said: “I was on my own when he just appeared from near a tree to the left hand side of me and asked for the time.

“I went to look at my watch and the next thing I knew he was asking me for my wallet, mobile and watch and then I saw he had a knife in his right hand.

“He was pointing it towards me, not thrusting it. I’m not sure he was going to use it, I think it was more of a scare tactic but you can never be sure these days if they’re going to use it or not.

“The blood started going and the adrenaline kicked in. It felt like it was going on forever but it was probably only a couple of minutes.

“Being ex-military and having combat training I swiped his hand out the way and thumped him in the jaw.

“I heard a crack, although I’m not sure if it was his jaw or my knuckle as it’s not where it should be. Then he waddled off.

“There was a couple of people walking their dogs but they didn’t come over.”

The dad-of-two, who dialled 999 as soon as he returned to his home in Kemsley, is now warning others to take care.

He added: “People need to take care when they’re in that area. It’s dark, there’s no CCTV and you just don’t know if he might try it again.”

The suspect, who was last seen heading in the direction of Swale Way, is described as aged between 25 and 30, of Eastern European appearance, 5ft 8ins with a tattoo on his right hand.

He was wearing a grey tracksuit, red T-shirt and dirty white trainers.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Kent police on 101 quoting reference number 28/1069.