Police are investigating reports of an assault on a pensioner with Parkinson's disease at a retirement complex.

Victor Champs suffered facial injuries during the incident in the communal gardens of Alexandra Homes in Tivoli Road in Margate.

The 75-year-old - who is recovering from cancer - says he was punched in the face by another man, causing him to fall backwards and leaving him defenceless on the ground.

"I couldn't defend myself as I was trapped by the arms of the chair; I couldn't get up, and other residents had to pull him off me," he said.

"You just don't expect that.

"I used to work as a doorman; I've been hit before, but never like this, where I've been on my back unable to defend myself.

"I didn't expect this at the age of 75 either."

Mr Champs, who was a member of Margate's lifeboat crew for 35 years, says his face is so sore and swollen from the assault that he is unable to use his ventilator at night, which he wears due to lung condition COPD and sleep apnoea.

"I'm struggling to breathe so I can't sleep and I end up just reliving it all in my head," he said.

"I moved out straight away afterwards and into my partner's house in Cliftonville.

"I don't want to go back to the home but I've lived there for 20 years. I used to be the gardener and maintenance man, and my ex-wife was a warden there."

Mr Champs, who admits he and the other man did not see eye to eye, says he feels let down by Alexandra Homes, which offers independent living for elderly people in flats and cottages with an alarm service and wardens.

He claims there were no wardens available when called and that he received no phone call to check he was OK, even when he got back from hospital.

"I've got a partner who is a carer and she's really looking after me," he said.

"My family have been brilliant, too. Without them I'd be all alone."

Mr Champs says he also wants more to be done by the police, who he claims he has yet to hear from.

A police spokesman said officers are investigating the alleged assault, which happened at about 4.45pm on Tuesday.

She said: "A man, in his 70s, reported being punched by another man.

"Inquiries regarding the circumstances of this incident remain ongoing."

A statement from the board of trustees at Alexandra Homes says they are aware of an incident that took place between two residents and have interviewed both men and all eyewitnesses.

"The trustees will now fully discuss the facts presented."

The board added that the residents all live independently and it is not a residential or care home.

"Alexandra Homes is a small independent alms houses charity set up in 1865 to provide affordable housing for the residents of Margate.

"We own 33 flats and cottages and applications are made on strict criteria of entry."

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