A young girl with a physical disability is still fighting for her life after being stabbed "around 50 to 60 times" last week.

Earlier today a 16-year-old boy, from Sittingbourne, appeared in youth court at Medway Magistrates' charged with attempted murder.

Watch KMTV's report on the case

The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was in the dock wearing a grey tracksuit and spoke only to confirm his name and age.

He was arrested on Thursday after a 16-year-old girl, also from Sittingbourne, was found with serious injuries. She also cannot be identified for legal reasons.

The victim is currently still in hospital in a critical condition after being stabbed "around 50 to 60 times," prosecutor Andrew Jones told the court.

During a 10-minute hearing Mr Jones said the victim and defendant were known to each other and were in "some sort of relationship".

He continued, alleging the defendant had met with the victim at her home after agreeing to meet up and then walked off together.

But moments later as the victim, who struggles with walking long distances, began to lag behind he allegedly picked her up and carried her to a secluded park known as The Orchards.

Mr Jones went on to claim the accused had stabbed the teenager multiple times, leaving deep wounds, and that it is not clear whether she will survive.

The incident is thought to have taken place late at night on Wednesday, July 21 and early morning on July 22.

However, the young girl wasn't found until around 8am by a member of the public who rang the police.

The defendant, whose parents were in court for the hearing, did not enter a plea.

Defending solicitor Ms Lipscombe made no representations but said it wasn't appropriate to give a plea as they are waiting for a full psychiatric assessment before doing so.

The teenage defendant was remanded in custody to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday, August 23.

Officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have information, especially those who were walking in the area between 11pm on Wednesday, July 21 and 3am on Thursday, July 22. They are also keen to hear from anyone who owns CCTV, or dash camera footage, recorded in the vicinity.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Kimber said: "We are still appealing for the public to come forward with any information they may have which can assist in this investigation.

"We are keen to piece together the victim's last known movements and would urge anyone who has any information to make contact."

Anyone with information in relation to the incident is asked to call Kent Police on 01474 366149 quoting reference 22-0255.

You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or through its website.

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne