A good Samaritan who stepped in to stop a woman from being assaulted was stabbed in the face and body by her attacker.

The victim, a 31-year-old man, was walking along Coolinge Road in Folkestone at about 8pm yesterday when he intervened.

Shortly afterwards, as he was checking the woman was OK, he was knifed by the attacker.

Police say he suffered injuries "consistent with stabbing" to his body and face. He was rushed to hospital for treatment.

Ambulance spokesman Rich Airey said: "We were called to reports of a man with stab wounds described as to his side just below his rib area and then his head.

"We sent an ambulance car and two crews to the scene. He was taken to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford."

"This is a serious assault on someone who had actually showed great courage..." - Det Sgt Steve Mart

The suspect is said to have fled the scene in the direction of Brockman Road.

He is described as aged between 19 and 23, around 170cm tall, and was wearing a dark-coloured winter hat with white writing on.

Detectives want to trace witnesses and in particular are hoping the woman, who left before police arrived, will get in touch.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Steve Mart said: "Although the victim’s injuries are not life-threatening, this is a serious assault on someone who had actually showed great courage in stepping in to stop a woman being attacked.

"We want to thank the witnesses who have already spoken to officers about this incident, but we would like any others who saw or heard anything to get in touch.

"It's important that we speak to the woman who was at the scene and we urge her to contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01303 289406 quoting ZY/4324/15.

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