DETECTIVES think two men found injured and lying in the road at St Peter’s, Broadstairs, early on New Year’s Day may have been attacked.

One of the victim’s mobile phone appears to have been accidentally dialled while in his pocket, calling his girlfriend and leaving a long message on her phone that includes the sound of a struggle and three vehicles passing.

It is thought that during, or after, the attack the 25-year-old victim, from St Peter’s, may have fallen onto the road at the junction of St Peter’s Park Road and Crawford Road and collided with a passing car, perhaps without the driver realising.

He suffered serious head and chest injuries and has now been transferred to Kings College Hospital in London where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

Det Sgt Richard Vickery said: "Officers are now searching CCTV footage up until the time police arrived at 3.15am to identify the drivers of the cars that were heard passing.

"We also want the drivers come forward in case they saw something that may help us work out what happened to the two men.

"We are also keen to speak with a woman driving a white van who briefly stopped at the scene looking for her son, as well as two men and a woman who walked by just before officers arrived."

Detectives would also like to hear about any cars that returned home early on New Year’s day with damage, as the driver may have seen what happened to the men.

The other man – also aged 25 and from Ramsgate – was released after treatment but has been unable to tell police how the two of them were injured.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Det Sgt Vickery on 01843 222291 or Crimstoppers on 0800 555 111. Calls to Crimestoppers are free and you do not have to give your name.