Detectives investigating the alleged attempted murder of a homeless man have released CCTV images of potential witnesses they want to trace.

Officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate are hoping that by releasing the images, the people in them will recognise themselves and come forward.

The images have been taken from CCTV cameras in and around the Great Lines Park in Gillingham, on Monday, August 18, when the rough sleeper, 40, was found staggering around the park with multiple stab wounds.

Detectives have charged a 33-year-old man from the town with attempted murder and he has been remanded in custody.

Stephen Nowlan, 33, of Canterbury Street, Gillingham, will appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, October 31.

Previously, detectives had also arrested two 32-year-old men from the town, but the pair were later released without charge.

Police had issued the picture of the homeless man as part of an appeal to find witnesses, but did not name him.

The victim, who had been living on a mattress at the site, is still in hospital recovering from the stab wounds to his upper body, but is now in a stable condition.

DS Adam Marshall said: "We are trying to ensure we speak to everyone who may have been in the area at the time of the incident.

"The people in the images are being treated as potential witnesses only.

"If you recognise yourself in the images or someone you know, please contact us.

"I would also encourage anyone else with information about this incident who has not yet spoken to police to get in touch."

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call DS Adam Marshall on 01634 884028 quoting crime reference XY/029648/14 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.