Police have released an e-fit image in the hunt for a man who stabbed a good Samaritan in the face when he tried to stop a woman being attacked.

The victim, a 31-year-old man, was walking along Coolinge Road in Folkestone at about 8pm on Thursday when he intervened in a dispute between a man and the woman.

Shortly afterwards, as he was checking the woman was okay, he was knifed by the attacker.

Police say he suffered injuries “consistent with stabbing” to his body and face. He was rushed to hospital for treatment.

Detectives are now hunting for the suspect and have released an efit of a man they would like to question in connection with the incident.

Ambulance spokesman Rich Airey said: “We were called to reports of a man with stab wounds described as to his side just below his rib area and then his head.

“We sent an ambulance car and two crews to the scene. He was taken to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.”

The suspect is said to have fled the scene in the direction of Brockman Road.

He is described as aged between 19 and 23 years old, around ft 5ft 7ins tall and wearing a dark-coloured winter hat with white writing on.

Officers also want to trace witnesses and in particular are hoping the woman, who left before police arrived, will get in touch.

Investigating officer Det Sgt Steve Mart said: “Although the victim’s injuries are not life-threatening, this is a serious assault on someone who had actually showed great courage in stepping in to stop a woman being attacked.

“We want to thank the witnesses who have already spoken to officers about this incident but we would like any others who saw or heard anything to get in touch.

“It’s important that we speak to the woman who was at the scene and we urge her to contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01303 289406 quoting ZY/4324/15.

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