A teenager has been taken to hospital in a serious condition after his car crashed and hit a tree on the Thanet Way last night.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service used cutting equipment to release the 19-year-old driver, who is from the Herne Bay area, from his car after he became trapped by his injuries.

Police are now appealing for witnesses after the incident on the A2990 near the town at about 2.30am today.

The road was closed between Greenhill and Chestfield as the air ambulance landed.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police is appealing for witnesses to a serious collision on the Old Thanet Way near Greenhill.

"A blue Vauxhall Corsa was travelling from Chestfield towards Greenhill at 2.30am on when it left the road and collided with a tree.

"The driver, a 19-year-old man from the local area was taken to a London hospital with serious injuries.

"The Serious Collision Investigation Unit would like to hear from any witnesses who have not already been spoken to."

A KFRS spokesman said: "Crews worked with paramedics from SECAMB and the air ambulance doctors to assess and remove him from his car, before he was transferred to a land ambulance and taken to a London hospital."

Witnesses are asked to call 01622 798538 quoting reference MS/213/17.