A DOG WALKER was knocked unconscious after he was attacked as he visited his mother’s grave.

Kevin Levins, 62, of Stoney Hills, was assaulted by a man in Burnham Cemetery, on Southminster Road, on Friday.

The incident, which left him unconscious, happened between 6.45pm and 7.15pm.

When he came to, he walked his dog back to his home, where his wife noticed he was bleeding heavily from his head and took him to Broomfield Hospital.

Mr Levins said he did not realise he was injured until he made it back home.

He told the Standard: “I was up walking the dog visiting my mother’s grave when a man approached me, and attempted to start a fight with me.

“I ignored him and turned my back to walk away, when I was struck over the head and blacked out.

“I can’t remember how long I was out for, but when I woke up the man had gone, and everything was a bit of a blur.

“I walked with my dog back to my house, thinking I was unhurt, and when I came in my wife saw that I had blood streaming down my head, and I was whisked off to Broomfield.”

During the incident, Mr Levins had his Mini DV camera and silver chain that he was wearing stolen.

He added: “My camera that I wear for my own security was taken as well as my chain, though he left my phone and wallet.

“I have really bad headaches that come and go, and I can’t quite remember everything that happened. I hope people who saw anything around there can help.”

Police arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of assault, but he was later released without charge.

The attack has sent shockwaves through the Burnham community.

Resident Sherif Harding, 35, said the incident shows Burnham requires more police and security.

He said: “I don’t see a complete police blackout in Maldon for instance, yet from Burnham to Bradwell, spotting even a patrol car is a rarer occurrence than a UFO sighting.

“We are fortunate that Burnham has a relatively low crime rate, almost non-existent for serious crime.

“It is abundantly obvious that people think they can get away with petty crime in this area – incessant speeding, dangerous driving, drunk and disorderly behaviour, – as if they’re under the radar in Burnham, and this part of the Dengie in general.”

Witnesses should contact Essex Police on 101.