A YOUNG man is still recovering in hospital today after he was stabbed four times in the back on the doorstep of his home in Chatham.

Medway Police are treating the stabbing as attempted murder. Stuart Richards, 26, was chased up the hill by several men in broad daylight.

The men caught up with him at the doorstep of his home in Institute Road and one man plunged a knife into his neck and back four times before the group fled.

Police are denying the attack was racially motivated but witnesses described how they had seen Mr Richards being chased by up to nine men.

Medway ambulance were at the scene within three minutes of the incident, which happened about 1.45pm on Friday afternoon.

A spokesman said: "The 26-year-old man was conscious when the crew arrived. He had sustained serious injuries and had been stabbed twice in the back and twice in the neck."

The quick response time is believed to have saved Mr Richard's life. Upon arriving the ambulance crew gave him oxygen and dressed his wounds. He was also given intravenous fluids to help maintain body fluids after loosing blood.

Mr Richards was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital for emergency treatment. He was later said to be in a stable condition with non life-threatening injuries.

Mr Richards had only lived in Institute Road for a short time and was not well-known among the neighbours.

Medway Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information can call 01634 884252.