A civil servant was attacked on his way home following a social media spat about Covid.

Sean Crittenden has been left with a suspected broken nose after being headbutted outside a Tesco Express store in Gillingham.

The 26-year-old popped into the shop at Victory Pier just after 7pm last Thursday, on his way home from the gym.

As he walked out, he was approached by a man who was waiting by the doors. He asked Mr Crittenden 'do you remember who I am?' and then headbutted him and punched him in the face.

Mr Crittenden said: "My arms were by my side, I had my shopping in one hand and had just put my phone in my pocket - the attack was completely unprovoked.

Mr Crittenden recognised the man and believes he attacked him because of an argument about Covid on social media four months ago.

He was threatened and told he must have a "death wish".

Following the assault, Mr Crittenden grabbed the man's arms and told him: "There's CCTV, so you're going to prison."

The offender then ran away.

With his nose pouring with blood, Mr Crittenden was helped by staff from the Tesco Express store who took him inside and called the police.

The civil servant was taken to hospital where the cuts to his nose were bandaged with steri-strips.

He added: "I've got two cuts on my nose, they are not sure if it is broken. The left side of my face is swollen.

"I want to thank the Tesco staff for helping me, and apologise for dripping blood all over the shop floor."

A Kent Police spokesman said: "Kent Police is investigating a report of an assault in Pier Road, Gillingham, which was alleged to have happened at 7.15pm on Thursday, March 4.

"The victim was taken to a local hospital to be treated for injuries not described as serious.

"No arrests have yet been made.

"Inquiries into the incident are ongoing."