A GOOD Samaritan is lucky to be alive after his throat was slashed as he tried to stop a street brawl.

Police in Gravesend have described the attack on the 23-year-old man as cowardly, and have claimed he is fortunate not to have died from the gaping wound.

The man, from Gravesend, was stabbed in the back in the early hours of Sunday morning. The fight took place outside the Shades night club in Parrock Street, Gravesend, at about 1.40am.

The victim attempted to intervene in a fight outside the pub. In the struggle his neck was slashed open, leaving a wound six inches long. He was taken to Darent Valley Hospital but discharged the following day.

Det Insp Dave Brittain said: "This was a cowardly attack from behind that left the victim with no chance of defending himself. He attempted to act as a good citizen in going to the aid of another man but is very lucky not to have died during what was a very serious attack."

A Northfleet taxi driver, who was working on the night and declined to be named, said: "I took people home from the club that night. They said this man was just trying to stop the fight. He was carrying no weapon. He was just trying to stop some poor guy being beaten up."

Police are particularly keen to speak to a man in a red-hooded top who was seen standing near to the incident. He is regarded as a potentially key witness.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Glenn Blanchard on 01322 283153 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.