The family of a young exchange student who was attacked in Canterbury have been helped to get to the UK by MP Rosie Duffield.

The city's Labour MP - who branded the attack a "shameful stain" on the city - stepped in after they reportedly had issues securing a visa to travel to the country.

She has also thanked Sajid Javid for his "personal intervention".

It comes after the victim - believed to be a German boy - was airlifted to a London hospital after he was assaulted on Thursday in Whitefriars Street, between Tesco Extra and Primark.

He remains in a serious condition.

Six people have since been arrested, including a 16-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and two 15-year-old boys, all from Canterbury, and a 17-year-old boy from Margate.

Yesterday, police announced that they have arrested a 44-year-old man, of no fixed address, on suspicion of assisting an offender.

All of the suspects have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Officers would like to thank all those who have already got in contact regarding the assault and they are urging anyone else who witnessed the incident or who has information that may assist the investigation to call on 01843 222289 quoting reference 06-1409.

Alternatively, you can call the independent charity, Crimestoppers in Kent, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury