The Dartford Crossing, including the QEII bridge

A worried motorist made a desperate call after finding himself stranded on the wrong side of the River Thames - because he has a phobia of bridges.

The driver, who did not know the area, had taken a wrong turn and had been directed to the Dartford river crossing by his sat nav kit.

He suffers from gephyrophobia - a fear of crossing bridges - and didn't realise he would be passing through the Dartford Tunnel.

The man was so scared he was left stranded at the foot of the 500ft Queen Elizabeth II bridge and called police.

A control room operator explained he would be passing through the tunnel, not over the bridge, but the motorist confessed he still felt too scared to cross.

The operator stayed on the phone with the worried man to reassure him until nearby officers from Kent were by his side.

They then drove the vehicle through the tunnel with him as a passenger before sending the shaken driver on his way.

Inspector Paul Sellwood, of the Kent Police Roads Policing Unit, said: "This incident shows how seriously we take all calls we receive from members of the public.

"We always respond and we try to help to the best of our ability. Our role is maintaining order and safety on the roads, so if someone is concerned, trapped or scared, it is our job to attend and help and support them wherever we can."