A woman has been found lying "face down on the beach" in the early hours.

RNLI Ramsgate, ambulance crews and firefighters were called to the scene in Ramsgate.

The lifeboat was launched at the request of the Coastguard at 2.05am to "assist with a person near the water's edge" behind the harbour clock tower.

In a statement posted to Facebook by RNLI Ramsgate, a spokesman said: "Once on the scene, the casualty was found to be face down on the beach with the rising tide reaching their feet.

"The attending fire service and mobile coastguards were already getting the casualty into the ambulance services stretcher, but were unable to get the casualty up onto the harbour wall.

"The casualty in the stretcher was then placed in the lifeboat and taken a short distance to the fisherman's slipway, where they were able to be carried to the awaiting ambulance."

An RNLI spokesman said the casualty was a woman, but could not confirm her age.

Ambulance crews and firefighters have been approached for further information.

More to follow.