More than £7,000 has been raised to support a popular restaurant worker stabbed multiple times on his way home from work.

Hundreds of people have donated to a GoFundMe appeal set up to help the family of “kind, gentle soul” Sharif Hossain, who is a familiar face at the Gandhi in Herne Bay.

He was seriously injured in an attack outside Whitstable railway station on December 17, and remains in hospital in London with his wife by his side.

The online appeal includes a message on behalf of staff at the Indian restaurant, saying Mr Hossain is receiving treatment in intensive care.

It adds: “Lots of you will recognise Sharif from the many years he has worked at the Gandhi and will have appreciated his gentle nature and sense of humour.

“Unfortunately, due to his injuries, Sharif has had to stop working.

“With the uncertainty of when he will be well enough to come back to work, we are reaching out for any donation – big or small – to help his family through this time of need whilst his income has stopped.

“His wife has been staying at the hospital with him in London and his children have been staying with friends whilst he’s receiving urgent medical attention.

“We are wishing for a full recovery for Sharif but would appreciate any help towards financial burdens in this uncertain time.”

Mr Hossain, who is in his 50s, once owned and ran the Invicta Tandoori restaurant in Whitstable.

Lee Catling is among those to have donated to the appeal, writing: “Sharif is a lovely, hard-working, caring guy and a good friend.

“He is an upstanding member of the community and would do anything to help friends and family.

“He deserves all the support we can give him and his family at this difficult time.”

Others have offered their support on social media, with the appeal shared with tens of thousands of people online.

Richard Whiteing wrote: “We have always found Sharif to be such a lovely man.

“When eating at the Gandhi he always has time for a chat and a laugh with us.

“Sending our best wishes to him and his family and hope they get through this together.”

Di Nutter added: “What an absolutely dreadful thing to happen.

“Sharif is such a kind, gentle soul. This is devastating and highly traumatic for all concerned.

“I hope he continues to recover quickly.”

Police were called to an alleyway off Old Bridge Road in Whitstable following reports of a serious assault shortly before 12.30am December 17.

Lewis Day, 25, from Ramsgate, was arrested and charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing a knife in public.

He appeared before Folkestone Magistrates' Court on December 18 and was remanded in custody to appear before Canterbury Crown Court on Monday, January 15.

A 32-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman were also arrested in connection with the incident and bailed pending further inquiries.

A spokesman for the force said: “Anyone with information or dashcam footage that could assist officers with the investigation is urged to contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/221589/23.”