Emergency crews have been called to a beach after a woman “had difficulties in the sea”.

She has been taken to hospital in a “serious condition” after the incident on the Margate main sands earlier this afternoon.

Police, paramedics and the coastguard attended the scene at about 1pm.

A RNLI spokesperson said: “Margate’s D class lifeboat was tasked today after reports of an adult female in difficulties in the sea off Margate Main Sands.

“The lifeboat was quickly on scene and the crew, assisted by members of the public recovered the casualty from the water on to the shore and into the care of the ambulance service.”

The ambulance service has confirmed the woman is in a “serious condition” and referred to the patient needing “medical treatment”.

Witnesses reported seeing a helicopter in the area although it has not been confirmed if it was linked to the response on the beach.

A police spokesperson said: “Officers assisted HM Coastguard and the ambulance following a medical incident on Margate Main Sands.”