Two teenagers from Ramsgate have been charged with wounding with intent and robbery following the incident which left 17-year-old Sam Eastwell fighting for his life.

The 16-year-olds were arrested on Thursday and charged on Saturday night. They were remanded to appear at Thanet magistrates court today.

Sam was found unconscious on the steps of Albion House in Albion Place, Ramsgate, in the early hours of Thursday, August 7, and has been on life support since at King's College Hospital, London.

His family is maintaining a 24 hour vigil by his bedside while the investigation, involving up to 70 officers, continues.

Supt Chris Hogben said: "This was a particularly nasty incident. Our thoughts are with Sam, who I understand has shown signs of improvement, and his family. We wish him well and look forward to him making a full recovery."

Investigations continue into two earlier robberies in Ramsgate before the incident involving Sam.

Meanwhile, doctors at King's College hospital, London, where Sam is currently on life support, said, on Friday, they were pleased with his progress but he was still in a critical condition.

Sam was last seen by his girlfriend at 12.35am on Thursday, August 7, when he left her address to walk home. He was found in Albion Place at 2.15am.

Police are asking for a number of potential witnesses to come forward.

• The first is a man who was carrying a white plastic bag along Newington Road, Ramsgate, in the area of Chichester Road at around 10.30pm on the evening of Wednesday, August 6. He was seen to be pushed by the two men in hooded tops who shortly afterwards went on to rob a 17-year-old boy waiting at a nearby bus stop.

• The next are a group of people seen on CCTV crossing Madeira Walk into Albion Place from the steps leading up from Ramsgate Harbour and the Casino Rooms around 12.40am on Thursday, August 7. Two of the group are then seen to enter Albion Place park, while the others walk off in the direction of Wellington Crescent.

Shortly before the appearance of this group, a single figure, believed to be Sam Eastwell is seen to enter the park. Police are particularly keen to speak to this group of individuals, who may have been the last people to see Sam before he sustained his life-threatening injuries.

• Also on CCTV, at 1am, a car is seen pulling out of Albion Place and turning left onto Wellington Crescent. Police would like to speak with the driver of this vehicle.

Det Insp Andy Somerville said: "Police are seeking to identify these witnesses and anyone with knowledge of who they are as they may have information vital to help discover the identity of the offenders in this investigation."

On Wednesday night, officers were making inquiries in the area of the three robberies that are potentially linked:

Between 10pm and midnight officers were appealing for witnesses in the Chichester Road area of Newington Road, Ramsgate; between 12.30am and 3am, they were appealing for witnesses in both the Albion Place area of Ramsgate where Sam Eastwell was found unconscious, and on Victoria Parade near George IV Park, where three teenagers were robbed shortly before Sam was discovered.

Fellow students and staff at Clarendon House Grammar School in Ramsgate where Sam is a student are hoping he makes a full recovery.

Kevin Fenner, head of sixth form and assistant head teacher at the school, said: "I am sure I speak for everyone associated with Clarendon House when I offer our collective support and best wishes to Sam for a full and speedy recovery. We also offer our sympathies and backing for his family at this difficult moment for them.

"Sam is a well-liked student who has just finished his first year in our sixth form. He is a courteous and well-behaved young man and news of the violent attack on him has shocked us all."

Sam took Leisure Studies, Media Studies and Sociology at AS Level this summer.

• Members of the public with any information relating to this investigation can contact Margate Police Station in confidence on 01843 231055 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.