A German teenager brutally attacked in Canterbury city centre is still struggling to speak six months on.

Daniel Ezzedine, 17, had been in the city on a graduation trip when he was assaulted in the Whitefriars shopping area on June 6.

He was airlifted to a London hospital and given just a 40% chance of survival by doctors.

But after three months of treatment and surgery to insert a metal plate in his head, the teenager was able to return to Germany in September.

His family, however, say the physical effects of the attack are still evident.

They messaged Paul Johnson, who launched a fundraising appeal to support them during the ordeal, to given them an update on Daniel's recovery.

In a post on Facebook, Mr Johnson wrote: "Daniel is healing well but still struggles to make conversation."

"The summer of 2019 will be forever stained in Canterbury's history..." — Paul Johnson

Daniel's family, from Mönchengladbach in west Germany, flew over to the UK and stayed in the capital for more than three months while Daniel underwent treatment.

After waking from a coma, he underwent major surgery to have a metal plate inserted in his head to increase his chances of long-term recovery, before being flown back to Germany in September.

In his Facebook post, Mr Johnson said: "Although the summer of 2019 will be forever stained in Canterbury’s history for making tragic headlines worldwide, at least we as a city responded with something stronger.

"In 2020 we as a community will work together to welcome and to care for the young visitors from Europe who are vital for the local economy and the continuation of Canterbury’s proud history in hospitality.

"Despite not being a family who celebrate Christmas [the Ezzedines] wish to send a 'wonderful merry Christmas' to you all."

Ten teens have been charged in connection with the incident and are due before Canterbury Magistrates Court on January 16.

They have been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, and violent disorder.

Among them is George Potter, 18, of Eaton Place, in Margate.

The other nine youths, aged as young as 14, cannot be named for legal reasons.

Among the others are three 17-year-old boys from Canterbury, one of whom was also charged with theft of a screwdriver and a Stanley knife from a shop and possession of cannabis, and another charged with possession of cannabis.

A 16-year-old girl from the city was also charged, as well as a boy of the same age who also faces charges of theft of a screwdriver and Stanley knife from a shop, in addition to possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

Two boys from Orpington, aged 16 and 17, were also charged, along with a 15-year-old boy from Birchington, and a 14-year-old boy from Canterbury.

All 10 been bailed to appear at Margate Magistrates Court on January 16.

A 44-year old man who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender was released without charge.

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