A man in his 20s has been stabbed at a children's play area in Maidstone.

The victim was at the Park Wood play area off Bicknor Road last night when he was attacked just before 10pm.

He is thought to have been stabbed multiple times.

He was treated by paramedics at the scene and then flown by air ambulance to a London hospital. He has since been discharged.

The area, close to the Holy Family Primary School, is currently cordoned off.

The attack initiated a huge police response, including armed officers and dog units.

One man who lives just by the park and heard the air ambulance last night said: "I'm not at all shocked it happened. There are just loads of stabbings in Maidstone, most of which never get reported. I used to live in Pudding Lane and while we were there me and my partner saw a boy of 16 stabbed right in front of our faces."

John Staples, 24, from Wallace Avenue, agreed: "For Maidstone, it's quite normal, though this is the first time I've heard of one this close to home."

Ali L is an Express cab driver. He was doing a school-run this morning dropping off children to the primary school.

He said: "I'm here a lot and I quite often walk around the play area. It's always seemed very safe before, though once there was a strong smell of cannabis."

A 57-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident. He has since been released on police bail pending further inquiries, to report back on June 17.

Inquiries are under way into the circumstances and investigators are urging witnesses, or anyone with information, to call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 22-1446.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form on their website.