A MAN was slashed across the arms and stomach with a knife after he refused to hand over jewellery.

The incident in Larkfield is the latest in a catalogue of serious assaults in the area - and has prompted the chairman of Larkfield and East Malling Parish Council to beg police for help in dealing with the escalating violence.

Cllr David Thornewell said: "It just shows we need as much police presence in Larkfield as possible at the moment, which is something the parish council has always been on about.

"I do not think the police see Larkfield as a problem area. I think they see East Malling and Snodland as problem areas, which they may be when you look at the crime figures, but these sort of violent attacks do seem to be more centred on Larkfield. than elsewhere.

"It’s this type of incident that worries people in Larkfield. Something has to be done."

The latest attack happened on Tuesday, July 25, at 1.30pm in an alleyway off Lunsford Lane - not far from four other serious assaults in the past 11 months.

The victim was asked to hand over some jewellery by two men, but after he refused they turned on him - slashing him in the arms and stomach with a 3in lock knife.

The attack was only stopped by a passing dog walker and is the latest in a worrying trend that has left some people too scared to walk in the area in broad daylight.

But Sgt Steve Cable, from Mid Kent Police, insisted Larkfield was not a particular problem.

"Alcohol obviously plays a major part in some of these incidents; that’s not to diminish the fact that when they occur they are of concern," he said.

"We want to reiterate that we really do need information from members of the public to catch these people. People should not be scared to walk around in Larkfield. People must continue to report these things - it’s only by having a full picture of what’s going on in the area that we can act."

* In the latest attack, both men were white and aged about 24 or 25. The man with the knife - a 3in lock knife with a wooden handle and brass trim - was 5ft 9in, stocky, wearing a black short sleeved T-shirt, white three quarter-length Adidas trousers and a white hat with a motif on the front.

Anyone with information should call police 01622 604271 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.