Bus passengers might have witnessed a serious crash near Whitstable that has left a young man fighting for his life, police believe.

Detectives are asking anyone on a double decker bus who saw the 22-year-old's car hit a telegraph pole yesterday to come forward.

The man, from Whitstable, was driving a silver Renault Clio along the A290 Pean Hill when he came off the road.

Emergency crews were called to the scene at 11.30am and the man was cut free from the wreckage by firefighters.

He was then flown to the Royal London Hospital by air ambulance, with his condition is described as "critical".

No one else was in the car and the reason it left the road is being investigated.

The road was closed in both directions and re-opened at 3.30pm.

A Kent Police spokesman said a parked car was damaged in the crash and a power cable came down, causing some disruption to supply in the area.

John Charles, who lives in Pean Hill, said: "In the past six months we have had about four or five accidents down this road.

"I was in Herne Bay at the time but I heard the air ambulance flying over."

Witnesses are urged to phone DC Dave Holmes, at the Kent Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, on 01622 798538.

Video: Emergency services at the scene of the crash