A 35-year-old man from Kentish Town has been charged with GBH after a journalist was left in critical condition following an attack.

James Flanagan, of Marsden Street, was remanded in custody to appear before Thames Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.

It comes after Gary Carter, a freelance rugby league reporter who works for The Sun newspaper, was found outside Bethnal Green station in the early hours of Friday morning.

The Met Police say they were called to an altercation between two men shortly before 1am.

Mr Carter, 36, suffered a serious head injury and remains in critical condition. His wife tweeted: “Pray for my husband #rflfamily.”

Mr Carter was said to have travelled down to London from Manchester on Thursday to report on Saturday’s England vs New Zealand rugby league game at the Olympic Stadium.

A number of well-wishers have sent messages of support, including ex-footballer Alan Shearer who tweeted: “Best wishes to @garyCarter_1979 for a full recovery after suffering an awful attack last week.”

Following England’s defeat to New Zealand, national coach Steve McNamara said: “The England team sends its best wishes to him and his family and hope he makes a full and speedy recovery.”

A 22-year-old man was also arrested in relation to this incident for affray towards attending ambulance crew. He has been bailed to attend Bethnal Green Police Station at a date in late November.