A man has told how he thought he was going to die after he was attacked outside a seafront bar.

The 30-year-old is now trying to turn his “terrifying” experience into something positive with hopes of campaigning against knife crime following the incident in Herne Bay.

The victim, who does not wish to be named, was injured with a knife believed to be a machete on Good Friday (March 29).

The incident is said to have happened outside Captain Jack’s bar in Central Parade at around midnight - three people have since been arrested.

Speaking to KentOnline, he said: “I did not think they were going to use it. I got myself in front of them, I was right on the frontline.

“I felt responsible [to do something] as it is where I live. It all happened really quickly.”

The businessman, who lives in the town, said it was unprovoked and he does not know the suspects.

Footage of the incident seen by KentOnline shows a group of people wearing balaclavas getting out of a car and crowds shouting as the incident unfolds.

The suspects then run back to the car before it drives off at speed along the seafront in the Whitstable direction.

The man was taken to William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, where he was treated for wounds to his head, including to three of his arteries.

“If I did not use my t-shirt to stop the bleeding, I would not have made it to the hospital,” he added. “I was terrified but I needed to stay calm.

“I thought I was going to die. It was a serious injury and they kept calling more and more doctors into the room.”

He underwent surgery and was in the hospital for around 14 hours before being discharged.

Now home, the man said he wants to use his experience positively and is considering setting up workshops for youngsters and joining a campaign against knife crime.

He added: “This is a real problem in society. I feel young men do not have any role models, they are lost.

“I have had a complicated past and have turned my life around. It is never too late.

“These youngsters are misled. They are shutting down the youth clubs. We need to do something about it.

“I want to do something with what has happened. It has given me a purpose, I need to turn what happened into something positive.”

The two men and a teenage boy arrested following the incident have now been released on police bail.

Detectives previously confirmed a black Audi Q2 has been seized as part of the investigation.

The vehicle’s registration starts with GD73 and officers say they are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen it before or after the incident.

Motorists are also asked to check any dashcam footage they may have of the vehicle.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/50887/24, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by using the online form.