A MAN has been charged with attempted murder after a suspected stabbing.

A local man in his 20s was found with serious injuries in Brighton city centre in the early hours of Thursday.

It is believed he was attacked in the Royal Pavilion Gardens before making his way to nearby East Street, where he was found, shortly before 2.30am.

The man was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital where he was treated for chest wounds.

He remains in a critical condition in hospital.

Now, a 24-year-old man from Hove has been charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon in relation to the incident.

Connor McHugh, of Brunswick Place, was arrested on Friday.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Brighton Magistrates’ Court today.

A 34-year-old man from Brighton, who was also arrested on Friday on suspicion of attempted murder, has been released on bail for further enquiries until July 3.

Detective chief inspector Andy Wolstenholme, from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “We continue to appeal to anyone with information about this incident to come forward and assist with our enquiries.

“We’d also like to extend our gratitude to the local community for their patience and understanding while we were carrying out our enquires into this complex investigation.”

Anyone with any information is urged to report online or call 101, quoting Operation Martello.

Alternatively, people can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report online.