A German student who has been fighting for his life in hospital since a brutal city centre attack is said to be improving.

Daniel Ezzedine was airlifted to a London hospital in a serious condition after suffering horrific injuries in a shocking gang attack in Rose Lane, Canterbury.

The 17-year-old, who is the youngest of five brothers, had been in Canterbury on his graduation trip, having arrived in the city three days before the incident.

He was due to fly home the following day.

After arriving in hospital, Daniel's family say doctors initially gave him a 30% chance of survival.

Fighting for his life, he was placed in an induced coma, and has remained in a serious condition in hospital for the seven weeks since.

His brother, Bassam Ezzedin, previously took to Facebook to ask well-wishers to keep Daniel in their prayers, calling his little brother “my lion” and saying: “I am infinitely proud of you”.

"The first time I saw him he was almost lifeless" - Paul Johnson

The attack shook the city, and prompted Westgate resident Paul Johnson, 39, to launch a fundraising page to help support Daniel's family - which has so far raised more than £14,700.

Mr Johnson has now visited Daniel in hospital, and says he was pleased to find he is now awake and able to recognise his family.

"Despite the fact that young Daniel is still bed bound and unable to talk, he has made a big improvement," he said.

"The first time I saw him he was almost lifeless.

"But still, the family are with him every day and all day, with their lives and jobs deeply affected."

Mr Johnson says the long-term impact of Daniel's injuries remain unclear.

The teen is set to undergo an operation within the next month, in which a metal plate will be inserted into his head.

"After that it is likely he will stay in London for another four weeks before hopefully being airlifted back to Germany," said Mr Johnson, who works at The Pound in Westgate Towers.

"For his family staying in London the cost has been very high," he added.

"But most of it has been paid for by the amazing contribution of money people in this city have donated towards them.

"We now have around £7,000 left which I think will be enough to cover the next month of accommodation.

"Even in south-east London the cost of accommodation is high, especially as it's the high-season of tourism and even hosts on the Airbnb website charge a high sum to rent out just a one-bed flat."

Eleven people have so far been arrested in connection with the attack.

On July 7, a 14-year old boy from Canterbury was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm. He was taken into police custody.

Three boys from Canterbury - aged 15, 16 and 17 - were arrested late last month in connection with the assault.

Seven other arrests were made in the days following the attack, as part of the investigation. They included five more teenagers from Canterbury - two 15-year-old boys, a 16-year-old girl, and two boys aged 16 and 17.

A 17-year-old boy from Margate was also arrested, along with a 44-year-old man suspected of assisting an offender.

They have all since been released on bail.

• To donate to the fundraiser, click here

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