The picturesque village of Alkham was in shock this week after gunfire broke out in a road rage shooting involving two motorists.

One man is seriously ill at the William Harvey Hospital with bullet wounds, while the hunt goes on for the gunman.

The condition of the 31-year-old man, from Folkestone, was described as stable by police.

The shooting was on Monday, shortly after 10pm, near the village play area opposite The Marquis Hotel in Alkham Valley Road.

Guests were eating their meals when the peace was shattered by the sound of screeching tyres and then shots.

Hotel receptionist Jane Gaskill said: “It was a shock for everyone here. Guests heard the sound of screeching tyres and then the sound of a car reversing.

“The driver of one of the cars apparently got out, walked up to the other man and, after some shouting, shot him in the stomach, and then drove off.”

The gunman drove towards Dover in a light-coloured car. Officers do not believe the two men knew each other.

Kent Ambulance Service arrived at the scene at 10.10pm and the medics team arrived in seven minutes.

Throughout the night and following day police closed the Dover end of the road to traffic, cordoning off the crime scene.

A statement issued by Kent Police said: “It is believed two motorists had an altercation, which resulted in one local man sustaining serious injuries. He was taken to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, where he is in a stable condition.”

The road reopened at 1.30pm on Tuesday.

If you can help police call 01303 289180 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.