Police are continuing to question a man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a stabbing in Ashford.

A 47-year-old man - named locally as Darran Bean - was knifed near The Rose Inn in Kennington on Friday night and is fighting for his life in hospital in London.

Police cordoned off the pub all day on Saturday as detectives launched their investigation.

A police spokesman confirmed a 24-year-old Ashford man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on Saturday night.

He remains in custody today while detectives carry out further inquiries.

The victim, believed to be Mr Bean, is in a critical condition in hospital.

The circumstances are still being investigated but police said the incident is not thought to have taken place inside the pub.

Inquiries were made at the pub and in the surrounding area with officers standing guard outside the premises all day.

Forensic officers began their investigation in the afternoon and were joined by detectives while officers remained at the scene.

Paramedics were also called to the pub after reports of the assault.

Ulley Road was closed between the junction with Faversham Road and Upper Vicarage Road.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called to Faversham Road, Ashford, at 11.59pm on 2 October to reports a man in his 40s had been assaulted.

"Officers and Secamb attended the scene and found a man who had sustained injuries consistent with a stabbing.

"He has been taken to a London hospital for further treatment and inquiries are ongoing.

"As we have it per reports, the assault did not take place in the pub, but officers are clearly carrying out their enquiries in the local area."

"The 24-year-old man from the Ashford area was arrested on Saturday evening on suspicion of attempted murder.

"He remains in police custody and inquiries are ongoing."