A man in his 40s was rushed to hospital with a serious head injury following an attack near a parade of shops in South Ashford.

Police taped off a grassy area next to the Co-op off Brookfield Road at about 8.30pm last night.

Residents on social media speculated someone had been stabbed, but no knife is thought to have been involved.

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The victim – who remains in a stable condition at King’s College Hospital in London - is said to have suffered a medical episode at the scene.

Crownfield Road Tim James, who has lived in the street for 16 years, said the incident did not surprise him.

“I heard a lot of shouting, but I didn’t really take any notice as we hear that quite often,” he said.

“A lot of people sit in the car park behind the Co-op drinking and every morning when I walk through there for work I see empty drink bottles.

“More police patrols are needed – we used to have a lot of police around here, but there aren’t as many now which isn’t their fault as they haven’t been helped by government cut backs.”

Another resident said about 15 police cars and three ambulances were at the scene.

The man, who asked not to be named, said he had heard there was an argument inside the Co-op at about 8pm that spilled over into the car park outside.

The police tape surrounded a patch of grass measuring about 50 yards by 40 yards behind the shops and in front of homes on a neighbouring housing estate.

Inside the cordon there were three small yellow markers with the numbers one, two and three on them.

Police spokesman Jordan Bluer said officers are appealing for witnesses.

“We were called at 8.30pm on Thursday, December 21 following a report of an assault in the Gorse Mead area of Ashford,” he said.

“Officers attended the scene and located a man related to the incident who had suffered a medical episode.

“He was taken to a hospital in London.”

VIDEO: Police tape off grassy area in Ashford

No arrests have been made.

Police left the scene and lifted the cordon just after midday.

Police are asking anyone with information to call them on 01843 222 289 quoting reference number ZY/063177/17.