A fisherman has been taken to hospital after his arm was severed in a winching accident.

South east coast ambulance service and the coastguard were called to Fisherman's Landing at Hythe at 4.45am on Sunday.

It followed reports that a man in his 30s, named locally as Chris Maddaford, had lost part of his right arm while alone aboard his fishing boat.

Two ambulances were sent to the scene and the fisherman had to be brought to shore.

After receiving treatment from paramedics, Mr Maddeford was taken as a priority patient to William Harvey Hospital.

It is understood he is undergoing emergency surgery to save his arm.