A 14-year-old boy is in a serious condition in hospital after being attacked in Tenterden High Street.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident which happened outside the town hall around 1.20am on Saturday.

The boy suffered head injuries in what Det Insp Angie Hobbs said was a “nasty attack.”

He has not been able to give police any details of what happened.

Officers sealed off part of Tenterden High Street on Saturday.

The busy road was closed between the Woolpack Inn and WH Smiths while forensic officers carry out an investigation.

Det Insp Hobbs said: “This was a nasty attack which we understand was witnessed by a large number of people.”

Janice Munden, landlady of the Woolpack, said they had just closed at the time of the incident.

“We have a commotion outside the town hall and went out but it was all over,” she said.

“There had been a fight but we don’t know any of the details.

“The High Street is still cordoned off today which is having an affect on the town.

“We will lose business as Saturday is our busiest lunchtime but no one can get to us – we are all ready to open once the police lift the barriers.”

Police have appealed for any witnesses to contact them on 01622 690690 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.