A pub where a man was brutally attacked with a knife has been shut down by police

A notice on the door states the premises licence of the Prince of Wales in Rochester is under review on the grounds of serious crime and disorder.

It follows an incident in the early hours of last Saturday morning in which a man helping the landlord empty the pub had his face slashed with a knife.

The victim, a man from Rochester in his 20s, was taken to hospital where he needed more than 30 stitches to a gaping wound running from his scalp to his chin.

He is believed to have been helping the landlord who was asking people to finish their drinks when a fight broke out.

As he walked towards a group of customers, one man is said to have pulled out a knife and starting waving it around before cutting the victim's face.

One woman posted online saying the attack came "completely out off the blue".

She added: "A young man who has never hurt a soul in his life was slashed with a knife across his face resulting in 35 stitches. There was no warning for this cowardly attack."

The victim has now been discharged from hospital.

The suspect, described as white, around 5ft 8in tall and of slim build, then fled the pub in Cecil Road.

Anyone with information about this incident which happened between 1am and 2am on Saturday, March 10, is asked to call the police appeals line on 01634 792209, quoting crime reference XY/013536/18.

Alternatively, call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Another sign in the pub window said the premises is closed for refurbishment.

The notice issued by Medway Council on request of Kent Police, north division, was to review the premises licence in respect of the Prince of Wales. The grounds of the review are based on grounds of serious crime and disorder being caused by the operation of the premises.

The matter will now be discussed at an upcoming council licensing committee.

Nobody from the pub was available for comment.

A spokesman for Kent Police said the request for the review was made by an officer early last week and the pub would remain closed for a minimum of 28 days.