A man was helped by emergency services using a thermal imaging camera after his car crashed into a river.

The incident happened on Godinton Lane in Ashford, leaving the man seriously injured.

Firefighters were called at 12.30am after the black Ford Mondeo became submerged.

Crews were on the scene for more than 90 minutes and used a thermal imaging camera to help police to find the driver, who had freed himself from the car.

He was found around 100 metres downstream of the car in a nearby field.

The ambulance service received the call shortly before 1.30am and one crew attended.

The man suffered a serious head injury. He was treated at the scene before being taken to William Harvey Hospital.

Firefighters helped by placing the man on a stretcher and transferring him to an ambulance.

Police are now appealing for witnesses.

The car was heading towards the A20 when it left the road and entered the water.

PC Mick Sayer from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: "We would like to speak to any witnesses that have information that could assist us with our enquiries."

Call 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk quoting reference number AW/MS/62/17.