A 16-year-old boy is in a critical condition in hospital after suffering serious head injuries when he was attacked by a group of youths near Sheerness train station.

Police say the assault happened between 6pm on 10pm Thursday near the taxi rank. The victim is now in a London hospital after undergoing surgery.

Four teenagers have been arrested in connection with the assault. All have been released on bail.

Describing the attack as "vicious", Det Supt Ashley Croft, senior investigating officer, added: "What we do know is that he was attacked by a group of youths and that attack left him with serious head injuries.

"The teenager returned home after the attack but was later taken to hospital by his father."

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses.

Anyone with information is urged to contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.