Two men have been rushed to hospital after they plunged off the end of Herne Bay pier this afternoon.

Emergency crews raced to Central Parade following reports the pair had fallen from the town's famous landmark and into the sea at 4.30pm.

The coastguard, lifeboat crews, police and at least six ambulance vehicles were at the scene during the rescue operation.

One of the men was pulled to safety by police before the second, who was in more difficulty, was rescued by the coastguard, who swam out to him.

Witness Michelle Cooper said: "I saw two men in the water. One was holding onto the pier while the other was trying to get his friend to swim.

"There were people on the pier who threw a life ring but the man would still not swim.

"Moments after the police turned up and called the coastguard. The police got one man out of the water and some people kept him warm.

"The coastguard then came for the man who was holding on. He was frozen and couldn't be moved off the beach as he was in a very bad condition."

Police say the men were treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to the QEQM Hospital in Margate with what are described as "non-life threatening injuries".

Emergency crews were still at the scene at 6.20pm.