Man left critical in hospital after Ashford assault; teenager arrested

Police car on motorway
Stock image — not from this incident

An 18-year-old has been arrested after a man in his 30s was found badly injured on Lower High Street in Ashford in the early hours of Sunday 13 September 2026 — and later transferred to a London hospital in a critical condition.

Kent Police were called at 5.12am to Lower High Street, close to a water fountain and the St Johns Lane alleyway. Officers found a man with injuries. Later that morning, police were told paramedics had attended and his condition had worsened. He was taken to a London hospital, where he remains critical.

The 18-year-old, from Ashford, was arrested on suspicion of assault and is still in custody. Detectives are treating it as a suspected serious assault.

A cordon at the St Johns Lane alleyway remains in place.

Kent Police want to hear from anyone who was in the area. Quote reference 13-0497 when you get in touch.

Key information

  • Contact Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 13-0497
  • To report information anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via its website