Four men have been charged after another was stabbed in a town centre.

Police officers cordoned off part of Parrock Street, Gravesend, yesterday following the incident in the early hours.

At around 5.20am, the force was called after a group of men were seen fighting with each other near Milton Road.

During the disturbance one man was reported to have been stabbed in the chest and was taken to a London hospital where he remains stable.

Officers carried out a search and five men were arrested in connection with the incident. Four have since been charged.

Alan Ali, 30, of Milton Road, Gravesend, is accused of inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent, violent disorder and possessing a bladed object in a public place.

Mazin Rasuli, 23, of Wellington Street, Gravesend, has been charged with violent disorder and possessing an offensive weapon.

Zhinar Ali, 22, of Peacock Street, Gravesend, has been charged with violent disorder.

Shakwahan Mahmood, 32, of Parrock Street, Gravesend, has been charged with possessing an offensive weapon.

All four men were due to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court today.

A 23-year-old man from Brighton, who was also arrested, has been bailed until Tuesday, May 9, while officers carry out further inquiries.

The road was taped off throughout the day, from the Conservative Club to the junction with Manor Road, while officers investigated the incident.

A car blaze in Parrock Street, at around 2.20am is also being linked to the incident.

Two fire engines attended and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the flames.

There were no reported injuries and crews left after almost 25 minutes.

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman added: "The cause is being treated as suspicious."

The blaze happened outside Kula Kuts hair salon and has caused damage to the shop front.

Hairdresser Luis Dolan said: "It has slowed us I guess. There are cracks in the window and the drain pipe is all melted away."

The salon is closed on Sundays so was not affected by the cordon and has opened today as normal now the road is clear.

Neighbouring business Enter Computers also reported damage to the front of its shop, including the windows, side panels and drain pipe.

Owner Khalid Ahmad said: "It is not much but work needs to be done. If we do not repair it, it will only get worse."

Another damaged car was also seen in the area, and police officers were searching nearby rubbish bins.