A high street has been cordoned off with "blood everywhere" after a stabbing.

Police and forensic officers are at the scene of the serious incident outside Wilko and Sports Direct in Gillingham.

Witnesses described seeing a young boy "covered in blood" outside the shop after the alleged attack.

One member of staff from a nearby store said: "There were around four police cars at the scene and now there's forensics who are investigating.

"I could see the boy, who was wearing black clothing, just covered in red. There was blood everywhere.

"Some people have came in and claimed it was a gang attack from another group of young people.

"It is horrendous. It's even worse that it is children."

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called to a report of an assault in Gillingham High Street at 4.55pm.

"Officers attended along with South East Coast Ambulance Service and a teenage boy was taken to a London hospital with injuries consistent with stab wounds.

"Inquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing."

Ambulance crews confirmed they were at the scene, alongside the air ambulance service which arrived in a road vehicle.

They added that they assessed and treated the teenager before he was taken to hospital in a serious condition.

One woman from the town said: "It's literally around the corner from my house and I have a young child at home.

"There’s so much trouble in Gillingham recently it’s getting so dangerous you’re never truly safe."

Anyone with information who has yet to speak to officers should call the Medway appeal line on 01634 792209, quoting reference 09-0898.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or by completing the online form on their website.