POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a young man was stabbed in a street fight.

The attack occurred in Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells on Saturday around 11.30pm.

CCTV staff monitoring the town centre alerted police to what appeared to be an altercation between a group of people on the pavement outside the former Habitat building.

When officers arrived on the scene, a 23-year-old local man was found with a stab wound to his stomach.

He was taken to Kent and Sussex Hospital at Tunbridge Wells where he received emergency surgery for his injuries. His condition is now described as stable.

Seven people were arrested in connection with the incident. They have been bailed pending police inquiries.

Police would like to trace a man seen walking towards the altercation from the direction of the Opera House pub and then back across the road shortly afterwards, as he may have information that will help the investigation.

The man is described as white and stockily built, and was wearing a dark jacket with a white shirt or top underneath, dark trousers and white shoes or trainers

Det Sgt Richard Pringle said: “This is a very serious assault. The injured man is extremely lucky to be alive.

“I would urge anyone who has any information about the incident or who knows who the man who walked across the road is to contact us.”

Officers can be contacted on 01732 379217 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.