POLICE have released CCTV pictures in the hope of finding independent witnesses to a serious assault at a Maidstone bar. A 27-year-old man from Rainham is still seriously ill in a London hospital following the incident at River in Barker Road, at about 8pm on Tuesday, December 11.

The man sustained serious head injuries in an altercation and was rushed to King's College Hospital, where he remained in intensive care from more than three weeks.

Four men were arrested in connection with the assault and bailed pending further inquiries.

Pictures, taken from the bar's CCTV camera footage shortly after the incident, feature customers who police believe may be able to help with inquiries. Gianna Polero, of Maidstone police, said: "We believe the people in these pictures may have seen the assault and saw something that could be helpful to us.

"We want to reassure them that they are not in any trouble. We just need independent witnesses to establish exactly what happened." Anyone with any information is asked to telephone Det Sgt Kris Hill at Maidstone police on 01622 608189 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.