A 26-year-old man is in hospital with serious stab wounds following an incident in the main street of a Kent town early today.

Police officers were called following reports of a stabbing in Chatham High Street, at the junction with Batchelor Street, at about 12.45am.

The man was taken by ambulance to the Medway Maritime Hospital at Gillingham. His injuries include a punctured lung. His condition is described as being "serious but stable".

Police cordoned off the area to allow crime scene investigators to gather forensic evidence. Officers will be examining CCTV to see if the offence was captured on the system.

Det Insp Andy Pritchard said: "It is thought that the victim and suspect knew each other and inquiries are ongoing to locate the suspect. I would like to hear from anyone who may have information that will help us with this investigation."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that may help police with the investigation, is being urged to contact detectives at Medway police station on 01634 792529 or Kent CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.