A teenager has been seriously hurt after he was attacked with a weapon during a violent break-in this morning.

The boy has been rushed to a London hospital with a serious head injury following the aggravated burglary in Brunswick Square, Herne Bay.

As many as five intruders are said to have smashed their way into the property just after midnight and threatened the teenager, before striking him with a weapon, thought to have been a hammer.

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Forensics officers have cordoned off the scene and numbered police cones are scattered on the ground.

The front door of the property – which remains surrounded by police tape – has been caved in.

Officers remain at the scene and have carried out door-to-door enquiries.

It is understood officers have also been searching for the hammer, with refuse collectors asked to double-check bins.

A Brunswick Square resident described the scene in the street this morning.

He said: "I came out to put the bins out between 6am and 6.30am and I saw a cop car in the street. Then a second one came.

"The door was bashed open and it's still standing open.

"There were detectives and police searching bins, bushes and alleyways. Now they've put yellow cones with numbers on on the pathway, and have taped off the area."

Neighbour Sheila Lawrence, 73, was shocked by the incident and says the street is usually quiet.

"I can't believe it," she said. "I was absolutely shocked - not scared, I'm just shocked.

"This is a lovely, quiet street. You don't even hear people go past talking really - it's beautiful.

"I've been here over 12 years and I've never had any trouble whatsoever. I usually feel very, very safe."

Another resident, who has lived in Brunswick Square for almost 40 years, says she was woken at 1am by police carrying out door-to-door enquiries.

"A police lady came and knocked on our door at about 1am this morning and said there had been incident, and asked if we'd heard or seen anything," she said.

"We hadn’t. She said it was a bad enough incident that she needed to knock on everybody’s door.

"Police have been here all day, and a forensic van.

"It sounds like something serious. I asked the police lady was it something we needed to be worried about and she said no, it’s an isolated incident.

"It’s such a quiet square - nothing’s happened like that before."

The victim remains in a London hospital, where he is being treated for a serious head injury.

Detective Inspector Keith Taylor said: "We are currently in the area carrying out enquiries to identify the people responsible for this.

"Witnesses have reported seeing four to five men break into the property, which we believed was specifically targeted.

"Whilst we review CCTV and forensic opportunities we urge any further witnesses or anyone with information to call us as soon as possible on 01843 222289 quoting 27-0004."

Alternatively, witnesses can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111.