TWO brothers have appeared in court after an incident in which a 16-year-old girl was stabbed in the neck.

Matthew Godden, of Preston Road, Northfleet, spoke only to confirm his name, age and date of birth at Medway Magistrates Court, on Saturday.

The 28-year-old, who works part time at the White Company in Bluewater is accused of common assault, assault causing actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm.

His younger brother, 24-year-old Michael Godden, who lives at the same address with their parents and is a manager at Sainsbury's in Pepper Hill, is charged with common assault and assault causing actual bodily harm.

The Messenger exclusively broke the story online on Friday morning, after the incident in Park Avenue, Northfleet, at 11.20pm, on Thursday.

The victim was taken to Darent Valley Hospital with non life-threatening injuries and transferred to the Medway Maritime Hospital on Friday.

She was discharged on Saturday after treatment.

Chairman Anne Echlin and her colleagues granted the Godden brothers conditional bail until their next appearance at Maidstone Crown Court, on October 13.

* If you have information in relation to this incident which may help police with their inquiries, call Detective Inspector Short at North Kent Police Station on 01474 366098 or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.