Police have launched a renewed appeal for witnesses after a man was bludgeoned with a hatchet outside a pub.

The victim was left fighting for his life after the attack in the early hours of July 25 this year.

Officers have carried out a detailed investigation since the day of the incident and have already spoken to a number of people who were in the area at the time.

But they would still like to hear from anyone else who may have information but has not yet shared it with police.

Investigating officer Detective Constable James Chichester said: "Although this incident happened at the end of July, I am hopeful there would have been a number of people who may have been enjoying a night out and who may remember seeing or hearing something at the time.

"The victim’s injuries were very serious and we would like to hear from anyone who believes they can assist in this investigation."

The appeal comes just days after a Sheppey movie actor accused of the offence appeared in court - accused of trying to kill a cousin.

Colin Vidler is alleged to have launched the attack with a hatchet outside a pub in Marine Parade, Sheerness.

The 46-year-old bearded and shaven-haired ex-boxer, who lives in Marine Parade, denied attempting to murder Benjamin Vidler.

He also denied an alternative charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, having an offensive weapon and assaulting Mr Vidler causing actual bodily harm in a separate incident the same day.

Prosecutor Oliver Dunkin said at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday that despite the seriousness of the charges it was “a relatively straight forward case”.

The alleged victim, he said, suffered severe wounds to several parts of his body from a hatchet or an axe.

Wearing a blue striped shirt and grey trousers, Vidler’s bail was continued until trial on January 16 next year.

It is conditional on residence, a tagged curfew between 9pm and 6am, a prohibition on travel, not to contact Mr Vidler or other prosecution witnesses and not to enter Sittingbourne.

Vidler told the Sheerness Times Guardian in March he had become typecast playing London gangsters, Russian baddies, boxers and all-round tough guys.

“Somehow, I always end up playing nasty types,” he said. “But that’s the way it is. I can’t help the way I look. I look brutal.”

The father-of-three is a former professional boxer who fought under the nickname The Hammer.