A 24-year-old man could be scarred for life after being stabbed or ‘glassed’ in the early hours of Saturday.

The victim, who had not been named by police as we went to press, was taken to King’s College Hospital, London, for emergency surgery after he collapsed on the pavement in High Street, Sheerness.

Shoppers discovered a huge area of the town cordoned off by police as forensics officers combed the area for evidence.

Two ambulance cars and an ambulance crew were called to the scene just after 2am.

A spokesman from South East Coast Ambulance Trust said yesterday: “Paramedics treated a 24-year-old man with multiple stab wounds to his body. He was subsequently taken to King’s where he is in a serious but stable condition.”

His injuries were described as “life-changing”.

Police confirmed the man was found with “serious cuts” but denied he had been stabbed. Investigations are continuing.

Witnesses reported seeing a bloodied shirt on the pavement outside The Goat Inn and glass on the pavement.

Officers carried out searches in rubbish bins near McDonald’s.

About 10 police officers were drafted into Sheerness to either guard the cordons or search for evidence.

Businessman James McKenzie, 54, who runs James McKenzie Photography, was not allowed into his studio in the High Street until after midday after a seven-hour wait.

He had been walking to work for an early 5.30am start when he encountered the first police cordon at the clock tower.

He said: “I could see blue lights flashing in the distance and was escorted to my shop but not allowed in until forensics had finished and officers had washed the blood off the pavement.

“There must have been three or four pints of blood on the ground.

“We had to postpone a couple of bookings because we couldn’t get into the premises. The whole area near us, Angels and the Indian restaurant was taped off. This is getting worse on the Island.”

Police were trawling through CCTV video footage of the area which is covered by security cameras operated on behalf of Swale council.

Two weeks ago Mr McKenzie had been in his studio overnight tweaking photographs after a wedding shoot when he discovered he had been locked in when police sealed off the street outside his shop.

He added: “I don’t know what this Island is coming to.”

The Goat Inn posted on its Facebook page: “The incident in town happened after we closed. We know nothing about it. And wish all is well.”

No one from the pub was available for comment.

The other end of the High Street between the canal and Sheerness Holiday Centre was cordoned off on Thursday, August 18, after a suspected stabbing (See page 3).

Saturday’s victim was found near where 18-year-old Christopher Alaneme was murdered in April 2006. A 31-year-old Londoner was found guilty of his killing the following year.