A man was rushed to hospital with a fractured skull following an incident outside a barbecue party.

It happened around 11pm last Thursday on the pavement near the house where the party took place in Ferry View, Rushenden.

Joe Cato, 27, was still in Medway Maritime Hospital this week after he was allegedly punched and knocked to the ground, where he hit his head. He also received bruising to the right side of his face.

A 46–year–old woman also suffered scratches to her face.

Mr Cato’s aunt, Valerie Lind, of Manor Road, Rushenden, said: "He also lost his memory and didn’t even recognise his own mum and dad at first."

Pearl Reekie, who lives just yards from where it happened, said: "I heard a lot of screaming and shouting but did not think any more of it because you always hear that sort of noise around here.

"The first time I knew something had happened was the next morning when there was police tape outside my house. I could not come out the front gate so I had to leave my house by the back door."

And another neighbour, who preferred not to give his name, added: "There was a party that got out of hand and there were young children involved."

Anyone with information is urged to contact police in Sittingbourne on 01795 477055 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

A 22-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident have been released on police bail to return to Sittingbourne police station on August 27.