A 12-year-old girl who was fighting for her life after an ambulance crash is 'improving'.

Her sister, 14, who was also seriously hurt in the collision does not have life-threatening injuries.

The girls were airlifted to London hospitals with severe injuries after the black Mercedes they were in collided with an ambulance responding to a 999 call.

The accident happened in Island Road, Sturry, at 2pm on Tuesday, and the pair remain in hospital today.

Three others in the car - two adults and a young boy - were also injured and were taken to a local hospital. They are believed to be members of the same family.

One of two medics in the ambulance suffered an ankle injury in the smash on the junction of Babs Oak Hill and received treatment at Margate's QEQM Hospital.

The other was shaken, but uninjured.

Following the collision both vehicles ended up in the back garden of a nearby house.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw the crash to get in touch.

Detective Sergeant Scott Lynchsaid: "It is important that anyone who hasn’t already been in touch comes forward as soon as possible so we can try and establish the circumstances around this collision.

"If you are planning to drive in this area please be patient, as the road is likely to remain closed for a number of hours."

Two air ambulances landed near the scene and flew the injured girls to King's College Hospital and St George’s Hospital, which are both in London.

Island Road was shut between the junctions of Babs Oak Hill and Fairview Gardens for several hours.

Ambulance spokesman Rich Airey confirmed the crash involved a two-man crew responding to a 999 call, but was not carrying a patient.

He added: "Our thoughts are with all those involved.”

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash, or who saw either of the vehicles in the moments leading up to it, to contact the Kent Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538.

Alternatively email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk quoting reference 11-0718.