A man who had been fighting for his life with "serious head injuries" after a hammer attack is now in a stable condition. 

Police confirmed the victim of a hammer attack in New Malden High Street today remained in hospital in a "serious but stable condition". 

Officers were called to reports of a serious assault just after 3.30pm this afternoon outside Tesco Express opposite New Malden station. 

Paramedics treated a man believed to be in his 20s or 30s before he was taken to a central London hospital in a critical condition.

New Malden’s Tesco Express was closed early and taped off by police tape.

A witness said: "I saw the police cars and ambulance arrive and straight away I knew it was serious - about six of them in total."

Renie Lee, assistant manager at Han bar next door, said: "I didn't see anything but then the police just turned up and said someone had been hit, I've no idea with what."

London Air Ambulance also attended with its helicopter landing in nearby Beverley Park.

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Paramedics land in Beverley Park. Pic credit: Kerri Cooke

It is believed the attack was witnessed by a bar worker nearby.

Forensic teams were seen taking photos outside the supermarket well into the evening.

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A forensic officer outside the supermarket

One witness said he saw a police officer taking away a hammer before putting it into a bag.

A Twitter user tweeted: "Thoughts are with the man attacked in New Malden, saw someone on a stretcher. Hope he's going to be OK. Absolutely horrendous!"

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Police and ambulance crews arrive to reports of a "serious assault"

A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm at the scene. He was taken to a south west London police station. 

Anyone with information should call Kingston CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.