DETECTIVES investigating a vicious street attack on a 46-year-old man are appealing for help from three people who may have vital information.

The three spoke to a group of youths outside Ursuline College in Birchington on Saturday night - the night the victim Michael Evans was attacked.

The two men and a woman were in a silver Peugeot 306 being driven along Canterbury Road, from Birchington to Margate, between 9pm and 11.30pm when a stone was thrown at their car.

They did a u-turn and stopped to speak to the group of youths about the stone-throwing incident. After a brief discussion, the car did another u-turn and continued on its way towards Margate.

Police don't think the two men and the woman in the Peugeot witnessed the assault. However, the youths who threw the stone at their car may have later been involved in the attack on Mr Evans.

A spokesman said: "Officers would like to speak to them about their exchange with the group of youths during the stone-throwing incident."

Mr Evans is still in a critical but stable condition at King’s College Hospital in London following the attack by a group of youths in a quiet residental area at Minnis Bay near Birchington.

He suffered serious head injuries and underwent surgery on Monday.

A 16-year-old boy appeared before magistrates at Margate on Tuesday charged with causing grevious bodily harm with intent. He was remanded in custody and will appear before Margate Youth Court on Wednesday, November 30.

Six other teenage boys, aged between 14 and 16, were arrested and have been bailed until November 30 pending a Crown Prosecution Service decision to prosecute.

Mr Evans was walking home with his partner after an evening out in the village when the incident happened. His partner was unharmed.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Russell, senior investigating officer, said: "This was a serious assault in a quiet residential area. This is an isolated incident, and to reassure our communities we are increasing high visibility foot patrols in the Birchington area.

"We would encourage anyone who has any knowledge of this incident to contact the police."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police incident room on (01843) 222 192.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Calls to Crimestoppers are free you don’t have to leave your name and you could receive a cash reward.