THREE men are being questioned by police after a student was left with serious head injuries after being set upon by a group of thugs.

The victim, 24, was admitted to intensive care at Medway Maritime Hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning after the attack in the centre of Chatham.

The savage assault happened outside the entrance to the Pentagon Shopping Centre in Military Road, Chatham at about 2am.

It is believed the group chased the student down Military Road after an earlier disagreement near the Tap'n' Tin pub in Railway Street.

Five men were initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder because of the severity of the victim's injuries.

But a spokesman for Medway Police said: "Two of the initial five men arrested have been released without charge and the remaining three are currently being questioned by police in relation to the incident.

"They were arrested for attempted murder because of the serious condition of the victim. His condition has now improved and he is no longer in intensive care and is in a stable condition. We would appeal to anyone who may have seen the assault to contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Sgt Maxine Martin on 01634 884076 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.