A man was millimetres from death after a blade punctured his lung and narrowly missed his heart, KentOnline understands.

Police were called to reports of an attack in Station Chine, Herne Bay, just after 4.20pm on Friday afternoon and later cordoned off the area.

The victim, aged 24, was taken to a London hospital by the air ambulance in a serious but stable condition.

A source close to the victim’s family told KentOnline that the blade “punctured his lung and grazed his heart” - and that he was discharged from hospital yesterday.

Neighbours tended to the young man after hearing his loved ones’ screams outside their homes.

Daphne Fearon, 82, says she saw the man limp down the road before collapsing outside her house.

“I was indoors folding up my washing when I heard a scream from outside – it must have been one of the girls with him,” she said.

“When I did look out, I saw the chap staggering down the road with his dog. I thought he didn’t look very healthy. When I looked again, he collapsed by a telegraph pole.

“His girlfriend ran out with her friends. A lady came out of her flat and tried to stop the bleeding. Two more of my neighbours took a blanket out for him. It was utter chaos.”

Ms Fearon, who has lived in Station Chine for 26 years, says the street is usually peaceful.

“It’s a shock. I didn’t know the chap but I’ve seen him every day with his dog,” she said.

“It’s such a quiet place around here. You don’t expect this on your doorstep.

“I’ve never been frightened here. I’m still not scared, though – I’d have fought any of them.”

Another Station Chine resident, who asked not to be named, was shocked to see the road had been cordoned off when he returned home from work.

“I’m just glad my kids weren’t in at the time,” he said.

A 51-year-old man and two boys, aged 16 and 17, were arrested in connection with the incident.

They have all been released on bail until Friday, April 26.

Residents have called for an increased police presence in the town following the spate of violent crime.

The day after the stabbing, a 20-year-old man was rushed to a London hospital in a serious condition after suffering severe head injuries in a late-night attack.

Two arrests have been made in connection with the reported assault, which took place in Herne Bay High Street at about 10.30pm on Saturday.

When officers arrived at the scene they found the man nearby seriously hurt.

Two men, aged 53 and 28, from Herne Bay were detained the following day. They have since been released under investigation.

It comes after KentOnline last week reported a gang of yobs attacked a 42-year-old funeral director in Sea Street as he made his way home from a work charity night. Several residents took to Facebook to say they rarely see patrols on the streets of Herne Bay.

Teresa Ann Oulds said she now worries “every time” her children and grandchildren leave their homes.

She added: “What the hell is happening in our town? It’s so sad to see such a beautiful town going down like this.

“We need a strong police presence now. I would like to see the amazing town back as it was when I grew up.”

But Det Insp Vicki Tyler insists that tackling violent crime in the Bay remains a priority for police.

“I understand that the recent events in town may concern a number of residents. However in both cases prompt police action led to arrests being made in connection with the assaults in both Station Chine and High Street,” she added.

“Officers in Herne Bay have supported the recent national campaigns to tackle knife crime and we have performed weapon sweeps in the local parks and open spaces. This led to weapons being taken off the streets.

“There is a dedicated police station in the town which is staffed and forms the base for the patrols who are supported by colleagues from Canterbury.

“In addition to these the area has PCSOs who not only provide a presence but also work to tackle minor crime and offer reassurance to residents.”

Investigating officers have urged anyone who was in or around Station Chine on Friday afternoon to call them on 01843 222289, quoting the reference number 46/59522/19.

Alternatively, you can call the Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Police would also like anyone with information about the assault on Saturday to call them on 01843 222289, quoting 46/60313/19.

Read more: All the latest news from Herne Bay.