OAPs attacked during birthday

Police have renewed an appeal for witnesses after OAPs were attacked at a 70th birthday party.

A rampaging mob of up to nine men forced their way through a locked door to get into the Ashford International Sports and Social Club in Beaver Road last month.

Police detained two men at the scene, arresting a 25-year-old man from Harrietsham on suspicion of assault and a 35-yearold man from Bethersden on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

Both have been released pending further inquiries, and officers are now appealing for anyone to saw the disturbance to get in touch.

Shocked guests were left with swollen noses, black eyes and cut faces following the terrifying incident, which happened at about 10.30pm in mid April while the party was in full swing.

One partygoer said the pensioner celebrating her milestone birthday was shoved to the ground during the attack, which left guests “crying and shaking”.

Pensioners aged up to 90 years old and babies were among those in attendance.

Managers at the club - which was open as usual following the incident - provided CCTV footage to police.

Following the incident, property tycoon Fergus Wilson offered a £1,000 reward for information leading to prosecution, saying ‘enough was enough.’

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference ZY/19864/18.