A man arrested after an anti-fox hunting demonstrator was attacked during clashes on Boxing Day has been released pending further investigation.

The 26-year-old from Canterbury was taken into police custody after a member of the East Kent Hunt Saboteurs (Sabs) was allegedly repeatedly punched and kicked.

The victim, who is in his 40s, was one of around 70 demonstrators protesting the annual hunt in Elham, near Canterbury, and was hospitalised after suffering serious facial injuries.

The Sabs say they want to see "justice" handed out to those responsible for inflicting the injuries at about midday yesterday near Elham village square, after the East Kent with West Street Hunt had set off through the countryside.

The group claims that after their demonstration they were threatened in the street and a Sabs vehicle was attacked as it tried to leave the village.

Spokesman Grant Tillman says the victim is now home but still "very badly shaken up and very badly bruised".

"He was beaten unconscious on the floor by a group of men," he said.

"If the police hadn't turned up when they did, it doesn't bear thinking about what could have happened.

"We're horrified. There's no need. We had a peaceful demonstration, we didn't attack them. We're just opposed to illegal hunting.

"We were literally leaving, just about to go. We hope the police arrest the rest of them and that they get long jail sentences.

"All we want is justice. They shouldn't be allowed to get away with this. They're dangerous people and they need locking up."

The attack came after the East Kent with West Street Hunt broke a 100-year-old tradition of gathering in Elham village square, setting off instead for the first time by the kennels at the top of Cullens Hill.

It was hoped that the move would make for a more "family-friendly occasion" after previous meets became marred by tension between participants and demonstrators.

Nick Onslow, a spokesman for the East Kent with West Street Hunt said: "The hunt's position is that we would condemn any violence. It's wholly inappropriate. Our only comment is that if an individual was hurt, then we wish them a speedy recovery.

"I have been going to Boxing Day meets most of my life. The East Kent Hunt always has hundreds of people who turn out because they love to see horses and hounds come down the main street. It's a great spectacle and it's a big event for a lot of people. This year, we had 40-50 riders.

"The ladies and gentleman on horseback had a fun time, and we're immensely grateful to our farmers and landowners for allowing us access.

"It's awful that after we had gone there was an incident in which someone may have been hurt. That should not have happened."

At a separate demonstration in Tenderden, the Sabs also say a 19-year-old woman was punched and that a band had their equipment destroyed.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police officers attended Tenterden High Street and Elham High Street to ensure public safety was maintained during planned Boxing Day hunts.

"A 26-year-old man from Canterbury was arrested in Elham on suspicion of assault after a man suffered injuries to his face. He has since been released pending further investigation.

"A further two reported assaults and a report of criminal damage, all in Tenterden High Street, are also being investigated by Kent Police."