A thug jumped onto Santa's sleigh, threatened to punch him and then ripped off a badge from a volunteer's chest during an evening of gift-giving last night.

The shocking incident, which could lead to the rest of Santa's visits in Sittingbourne being cancelled, has been reported to police.

Danielle Hoynes, who chairs the Sittingbourne Christmas Lights committee, said a gang of "very unpleasant drunks" had been "stalking" the sleigh all evening.

She said: "Half way round the course one of them jumped on the sleigh and threatened to punch Santa as well as ripping off the permit badge pinned to the chest of one of our female volunteers.

"We had to cancel the rest of the round, disappointing a lot of children, because of the harassment."

She has appealed for any video footage of the worst incident which took place at the East Street traffic lights.

She added: "We will have to review whether it is safe to continue the rounds over the next couple of weeks and to see what can be done differently to avoid people like this ruining it for all the town's children."

The attack was immediately greeted with outrage on the town's social media.

One woman stormed: "So disgusting that stupid yobs can destroy Christmas in this way for kids. Good people are trying to bring some Christmas magic to the streets and idiots do that. Fingers crossed Santa can carry on making his way round Sittingbourne."

Another wrote: "Such a shame that people in our town ruin the fun for everyone else. Not only will there be disappointed families but the funds will be less for next year's lights. I'm so sorry this happened and hope you're all OK."

The sleigh ride began at 6.30pm and was due to take in Peregrine Drive, Stanhope Avenue, Cowper Road, Bell Road, South Avenue and Murston Road. Residents have to listen out for music and a bell as Santa drops off pre-arranged presents.

The team also collects for the town's Christmas lights fund, switch-on event, running costs and the residential Christmas lights competition.

Any video of the incident can be emailed to sittingbournechristmaslights@gmail.com.