A suspected robber has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent after a man was attacked in a shop and left with serious injuries.

Police were called to Thenu Convenience Store in Snargate Street, Dover, at about 9pm on Saturday, September 16, following reports of an assault.

Officers arrived at the scene to find a man in his 40s with serious head injuries.

He was taken to a London hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

Following an investigation by East Kent CID, Kurt Collins has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, robbery and criminal damage.

The 34-year-old, of Townsend Close, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, is due to appear before Folkestone Magistrates' Court today.

The shop is believed to have been open for about a year, having replaced the Old Exchange.

Flowers were placed behind a sign in front of the door following the incident.

Jesse Mannall, a worker at the Sharp and Enright ships chandlers and general merchants, told KentOnline she had been driving past Snargate Street that night and “saw a lot of police cars”.

"It was all going on then and It did make me think somebody had been attacked,” she said.

"It is a shock because it is not one of those things that usually happens around here."

Fellow worker Mark Williams said: "I have worked here for eight years and I have always felt it is a safe area. It is very sad that this has happened."

Robin Burkhardt, owner of The Old Curiosity Shop antique dealers, said: "From my experience, this is a safe area and I have not had problems personally. As a rule, it is a pleasant street.”