A TEENAGER is faced with the possibility of losing the use of his hand after he was savagely slashed and stabbed. He was set on by three thugs.

The 19-year-old, from Ramsgate, was walking home up Madeira Hill on Friday, August 26.

He was in Wellington Crescent when he was approached by two young men and a woman.

One of them tried to stab the victim in the stomach. He defended himself by putting his right arm across.

He was then stabbed and slashed in his right hand and wrist, suffering serious tendon injuries requiring about 50 stitches internally and externally. His attackers then walked off down Madeira Hill.

It may take a year to find out whether he will regain full use of his hand.

The youth who stabbed him looks foreign, is black, aged between 17-20 with gelled hair. The others in the group were of similar age.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Clare Walker on 01843 222089.