A cleaner was rushed to hospital after becoming trapped in a lift for two days.

An investigation has been launched following the incident, which took place at the Margate Adult Education Centre, in Hawley Square, Margate over the weekend.

The woman, who remains anonymous, was last seen by her family on Friday afternoon.

They reported her missing to the police on Sunday and she was found stuck in a lift at the building where she works.

It is understood she was trapped in the lift for as long as two days.

The centre is run by Kent County Council (KCC), but Kier Facilities Management is responsible for cleaning and maintenance.

The woman, in her 50s, was taken to hospital as a precaution after she was found.

After her discovery an investigation was launched by KCC and the cleaning company into the circumstances.

The Health and Safety Executive has also been made aware.

A Kent County Council spokesman said: "KCC received a report on Tuesday, May 7 concerning an incident at Margate Adult Education Centre over the previous weekend.

"KCC and Kier have launched an immediate investigation into the events which is currently progressing; we are unable to comment further until the investigation is complete" - Kent County Council

"Kier Facilities Management, which is responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the building, reported that a member of its cleaning staff had been trapped in a lift.

"KCC and Kier have launched an immediate investigation into the events which is currently progressing; we are unable to comment further until the investigation is complete.

"We are assured that Kier is providing support to the individual for what must have been a stressful ordeal.

"The council will be working with Kier to ensure that the person concerned continues to be supported and any lessons are learnt from the incident."

Kier says the company is providing counselling to the woman and is "conducting a full investigation into this incident".

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police received a report at 12.42pm on Sunday May, 5, regarding concern for a woman in her 50s who had not been seen since Friday afternoon.

"While carrying out enquiries, officers found the woman had become trapped in a lift in a building in Hawley Square in Margate.

"Officers were able to manually open the lift and free the woman, who was taken to a local hospital as a precaution.

"The Health and Safety Executive has been made aware."

Do you know the woman? We'd like to hear from her. Please get in touch with us at thanetextra@thekmgroup.co.uk

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