Kent Police have launched an urgent appeal for information following the violent robbery of a pensioner and the theft of his car in Gravesend, near Istead Rise.
Pensioner Attacked While Moving Obstruction
The incident occurred at around 7:05am on Wednesday 21 May 2025, as the victim, a man in his 80s, was driving his red Citroen Synergie along Walnut Hill Road, near Istead Rise.
He had exited his vehicle to remove a log blocking the carriageway when he was reportedly assaulted by four men. The attackers inflicted facial cuts and bruises before fleeing — some of them escaping in the victim’s Citroen.
The stolen car was later recovered abandoned in Downs Road.
Suspect on Red Bicycle Sought
Police have also released details of one suspect who left the scene on a red bicycle, wearing black clothing and carrying a black rucksack. He was last seen riding towards New Barn via Nurstead Lane and Main Road.
Police Appeal for Footage and Witnesses
Officers are urging motorists with dashcam footage and residents with CCTV to check for any evidence showing the suspect or the red Citroen between 7:00am and 7:30am.
A Kent Police spokesperson said:
This was a cowardly and targeted attack on a vulnerable member of our community. We are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area that morning.
Anyone with relevant information or footage is asked to call Kent Police on 01474 366149, quoting reference 46/84946/25, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
