A Gillingham ward councillor is urging Medway Council to work with police to prioritise residents safety after an alleyway stabbing.

Gillingham South Cllr Dan McDonald is calling for an urgent meeting after a man was seriously injured when he was stabbed in the alley opposite Gillingham Railway Station in Balmoral Road on Wednesday.

He said: “What happened on Wednesday was awful and first and foremost my thoughts are with the victim and I wish him a speedy recovery.

"But, sadly, this has not been an isolated incident – the alleyway leading to Balmoral Gardens has seen two members of staff at Kingsley House been victims of bag snatches.

"It is clear that resident safety is at risk and now is the time to act.”

Cllr McDonald is also calling for the council to finish repairing the Green Street footbridge in Balmoral Gardens so residents aren’t forced to use the alley.

He added: “It is absolutely vital that Medway Council repairs the Green Street footbridge. For six weeks now it has been closed and it has caused access difficulties for residents.

“I hope that the repairs can be completed as soon as possible as it is unacceptable that we still do not have a completion date for the bridge replacement works despite constant requests for this from council officers.”

The victim was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Police are continuing their inquires and anyone with information can call 101 quoting reference 30-0618.