A newly elected councillor was attacked just hours after being voted onto Kent County Council, last night.

Antony Hook, Faversham town councillor, had been with friends enjoying a celebratory meal at the Spice Lounge in the town's Preston Street.

Once they left the restaurant, he was confronted by a stranger and punched in the face, splitting his head open.

Mr Hook, 37, spoke to KentOnline sister paper Faversham News.

"I was really pleased with the results and was looking forward to celebrating and having a relaxing weekend," he said.

"We had a lovely meal then at about 11.40pm our group went off in different directions and myself, my partner Becky, and her friend Lindsey were just chatting outside the restaurant deciding on whether to get a taxi home."

Cllr Hook and his friends saw another group of people walking along Preston Street.

“There were three men and one woman. It was very obvious that the woman was in distress.

“Then one of the men pulled the woman’s arm and dragged her along," he said.

“You could see she was definitely afraid. We were all quite concerned - so we asked if she was Okay. The man shouted out “she’s fine she’s just drunk.”

“I said are you Okay again because if she wasn’t she might have indicated for us to call the police."

The man, described by Mr Hook as tall, with a ginger beard and wearing a baseball cap, shouted at the group of friends and then marched over to the restaurant.

“The man shouted back and told us she was just fine.

“He marched over to me. I said 'calm down' to defuse the situation.

"The next thing I knew I felt a huge pain to my nose and forehead. He punched me.

“The next thing I knew I felt a huge pain to my nose and forehead. He punched me..." - Antony Hook

“It happened so quickly. It took me a few seconds to realise what had happened. He was about to do it again.

“I stood back into the restaurant and got my friends back inside. I wasn’t sure if the attacker was going to come back in."

Mr Hook waited in the restaurant for the police to arrive. The three men and woman walked off towards the station.

Speaking to the Faversham News Mr Hook says he feels very lucky that the restaurant was open and the group of friends could go inside.

"I’m very lucky because I think this guy was prepared to attack me again. I had nothing to drink and had my senses. I want to thank the staff as they were absolutely wonderful."

The police took Mr Hook and his partner home where they called NHS 111.

An ambulance was sent to his house and was treated for the cut on his head which had to be glued back together.

"I’m very tired and upset. It is the first weekend after the election and I have been working really hard. I was looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend.

When asked if he thinks the attack was politically connected he said no.

"I don’t think it was connected to the elections. Just random thuggery that could have happened to anybody.

"I’m hoping they will be caught."

Anyone who witnessed the incident should call the police appeal line on 01795 419119 quoting reference 05-1741