A VILLAGE is bracing itself for a possible revenge attack after a “World War Three” brawl in which a man was stabbed.

Police have said there will be officers patrolling Staplehurst this weekend, including tomorrow’s (Saturday) village fete, as part of their investigations into last Friday night’s stabbing.

Luke Beeken, 20, of North Road, Staplehurst, was taken to hospital with a wound to his stomach after what was described as a huge brawl broke out in the Pride of Kent pub in the village, spilling out onto the road.

Reports headed "World War Three" on the village forum website claimed there had been a “massive fight” involving knives and chainsaws.

Another posting on the forum from someone calling themselves a Worried Resident claimed that “revenge was being considered” at the village fete.

No one at the pub was prepared to discuss the incident.

Det Insp Susan Harper, from Maidstone police, said: “There will be officers in the area of Staplehurst at the weekend as part of the ongoing investigation into the stabbing.

“They will be seeking any witnesses with information who can assist us in this inquiry.”

Mr Beeken was discharged from hospital after treatment.

An 18-year-old man, a 19-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman were arrested on Friday night and given fines for public disorder. This was in connection with the brawl but not with the stabbing.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact police on 01622 690055 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.