A man has died after three people were washed off a pier at Ramsgate Harbour by a large wave.

A police spokesman said they were called at 11.29am to reports of three people in the water in the Royal Harbour in Ramsgate.

Coastguard and lifeboat teams were also scrambled.

The three men were rescued from the water, but one was pronounced dead at the scene.

The other two were taken to hospital for treatment.

An HM Coastguard spokesman said earlier: "Just before 10.30am today HM Coastguard received a report that three people were in distress in the water off Ramsgate pier.

"It is believed that all three people were washed off the pier by a large wave.

Video: One man died after being swept away from the pier

"Margate Coastguard Rescue Team and the Ramsgate RNLI Lifeboats are on scene, alongside South East Ambulance Service and Kent Police.

"All three people have been recovered from the water and are in the care of the Ambulance Service. We have no further information regarding this incident."

A Kent Air Ambulance spokesman said: "The air ambulance was called to an accidental injury in Ramsgate at 11.42am.

"One adult male was flown to King's Hospital in London.

"Both helicopters attended the incident."

The death is not being treated as suspicious and enquiries are ongoing to identify next of kin.