Two men have been arrested following a stabbing on a busy high street which left a man seriously injured.

Several roads were taped off for up to 13 hours and shops lost thousands in trade while police investigated the incident in Bexleyheath Broadway last Saturday.

A man in his 30s was taken to hospital with a stab wound to the leg after emergency services were sent to the scene near Lion Road around 2.35am.

Police have since arrested two men, aged 24 and 25, on suspicion of wounding with intent. They have been bailed pending further enquiries to a date in February 2023.

Officers investigating the stabbing are now making a fresh appeal for witnesses.

Detective Inspector Andrew Gattase, from the local policing team, said: "This terrible act of violence happened at a time when they were many people in nearby bars and clubs.

"We have already spoken to a number of witnesses but are keen to hear from anyone else who witnessed the incident."

The Broadway was taped off last Saturday between the roundabout for the bowling alley and the petrol station, while part of Church Road was also blocked.

Tape was used to ring off a black Ford Fiesta that was parked on the pavement.

Jenny Richards, owner of The Lounge salon, lost £3,000 in trade due to the road closure.

The businesswoman said: "We had to close and it was not even near us. It's come at a time when businesses are struggling, insurance don't want to know.

"This is not the first time either, it is the second time it has happened."

Next door, the Bell'amore bridal shop, which has been trading in the town for 30 years, was also forced to close.

Claire Backley, owner of the store, said she had to ask police for special permission to get inside the shop to get numbers to call brides coming for fittings, with one as far afield as Ireland.

"We had brides travelling down from all over and we couldn't gain access to the shop," she said.

"Police kindly escorted me in. We were the only site able to open because of the situation and the way we work."

Mrs Backley says there was blood left on the street at the scene sealed off by forensics but she has not heard anything further about the incident besides "online gossip".

She says the town is increasingly seeing visitors "coming in from all over the place" to new late night bars and restaurants.

"You don't know what has gone on, it is not good at all."

Anyone who can help the investigation is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 819/19Nov.

To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.