A 41-year-old man is in hospital in a critical but stable condition after being subjected to what police describe as a “serious assault”.

The man, according to sources, was stabbed in the Station Road area of Rainham.

The victim, who is Asian, managed to get himself home to Taswell Road and was then able to call for assistance. He was taken to Gillingham's Medway Maritime Hospital. He has not been named by detectives.

The incident happened in early hours of Friday morning. The area around the man's home was cordoned off to enable forensic officers to carry out a search of the area.

There is no suggestion that the attack had a racially-aggravated motive.

Four people have been arrested in connection with the assault. They have all been bailed to the police station pending further enquiries.

Those arrested are 34-year-old man whose address is unknown, a 31-year-old Gillingham man, a 21-year-old Rainham woman and a 36-year-old Chatham man.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who may have information regarding the assault to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.