The tip of a young boy's finger has been severed by a dodgem car at a funfair in Sheerness.

The child - believed to be three - was treated by paramedics at the Sheppey Summer Carnival before being taken to hospital.

A South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesman said the youngster was left "distressed" by the incident.

A crew was called to the sandpit in Beachfields Park, off Bridge Road, where rides were being held at 6.50pm on Saturday.

The boy was treated at the scene before being taken to Medway Maritime Hospital, in Gillingham.

He was fully conscious, but described as "distressed" and is understood to have had his finger sewn back together.

Funfair organiser Thomas Holland was not there when the accident happened, but understood the child was outside of the dodgems and put his hand over the edge.

One of the cars then smashed into the side of the ride, trapping the youngster's hand between its bumper and the barrier, he said.

Mr Holland said: "I have spoken to the mother of the baby on Monday. They sewed the finger back on at East Grinstead Hospital.

"It was an unfortunate accident and the relevant bodies have been notified by the ride operator to make sure something can be done [to prevent this] in the future."

Cllr David Simmons, of Swale council, said the authority was liaising with Mr Holland.

He added: "We understand that the organiser of the event is fully aware and dealing with the incident, ensuring he is speaking to all those involved.

"We will work with him to confirm that the necessary health and safety procedures were put in place by the operator."

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