A police investigation into the riddle of a man found with serious head injuries in a garden near Deal became a murder hunt today following his death in hospital.

The 23-year-old man was semi-conscious in a back garden in Mongeham Road, Great Mongeham, at around 11.35pm last Friday.

He was taken to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford and later transferred to a London hospital where he died.

It was not clear how he sustained the injuries. Police conducted house-to-house inquiries and have obtained CCTV from the area.

DCI Mick Atkinson, from Kent Police's major crime department, said: "We would like to speak to anyone who has information that could help with the investigation, particularly those who attended a party in Mongeham Road on Friday 15 August."

Anyone with information can contact the incident room on 01303 289600 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 - you do not have to give your name and you could be eligible for a cash reward.