A bad tackle that left a Deal Town Football Club player with a broken leg has led to a police investigation being launched this week.

Officers are appealing for video footage of the alleged assault on centre half Josh Davidson during the Deal Town - Sevenoaks match on Saturday, February 6.

Police spokeswoman Rosy Alexander said: "It is claimed that Mr Davidson was not in possession of the ball at the time of the foul, and police have launched an investigation into an alleged assault."

The incident happened on the pitch at the Oatmor Harris Stadium on Mill Road, home of the Deal team.

It forced the match to be abandoned 35 minutes into the game.

Mr Davisdon's right leg was broken and after an operation to pin his tibia, the footballer, from Whitfield, is recovering at home where his father Neil said he is progressing "as well as he can."

Deal Town manager Derek Hares said: "This is news to me. I'm surprised that the police have got involved."

Mr Davidson, 25, could not talk about the police investigation for legal reasons but he thanked the club, its players and fans for their support after a fundraiser was held in the club house in aid of him.

"I haven't been able to work for five weeks now," said Mr Davidson, who is only mobile with crutches.

"It's frustrating, I can't even got to the kitchen to get a drink and bring it back.

"You take things for granted and it's been snatched away from me for a while."

He said he can swim, but can not start a course of physiotherapy until he has seen a specialist next week.

He has a pin in the top and bottom of his tibia and experts are hoping his bone will fuse together again.

The sevenoaks player was issued with a red card by referee Kevin Welsh and sent off for the tackle but the Kent FA has still not announced a decision on the action it plans to take.

The chief executive of the Kent branch of the Football Association was not available to comment.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have filmed that part of the match.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Detective Constable Karen Lorimer on 01622 690690.