A 17-year-old who was stabbed in a town centre is in a "serious but stable condition" at a London hospital.

Police and forensic officers were called to Gillingham High Street at 4.55pm, after reports of an assault outside Wilko and Sports Direct.

Witnesses described seeing a young boy injured outside the shop after the attack.

The 17-year-old victim suffered injuries consistent with stab wounds and was taken to a London hospital, where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

It is reported the teenager was speaking to four men when he was assaulted.

The suspects, who are thought to be known to the victim, are described as black and were wearing dark clothing.

Two had black balaclavas and one, who may have been using an electric scooter, had hair described as being in a large afro-style and was wearing a dark green jacket and jeans.

They fled the scene following the incident towards Green Street.

The cordon has since been lifted and a small police presence was at the scene this morning.

A spokesman from Wilko confirmed that the branch "briefly closed" while emergency services dealt with the incident.

The store is now open as normal.

DI Pete Smith, of Medway CID, said: "An investigation is underway into the circumstances of the incident and enquiries are being completed by officers in the area.

"We are urging witnesses or anybody with information to call our appeal line. Motorists with dashcam and residents with private CCTV are also asked to check for footage that may assist."

Anyone with information should call 01634 792209, quoting reference 46/44504/23.

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