Crowds gathered after a car was seen skidding and crashing through railings into a river.

The black Ford Focus lost control near Charlton Green just before 10.30pm last night.

The vehicle was left on its side on the River Dour bank in Dover.

The driver ran off, the police said, but no one was injured.

One eyewitness said he heard a "horrendous bang" and saw a male driver crawl out of the passenger window.

A statement from Kent Fire and Rescue said: "Crews checked for casualties aided by a thermal imaging camera, then set up an inflated hose to deal with an oil spillage.

"Crews wearing dry suits secured the vehicle prior to it being winched out of the water by a recovery vehicle."

A police spokesman said inquiries are continuing.