A mother and her child were nearly hit after being forced onto the road by cars blocking the pathway.

Darent Valley Hospital posted this picture on their Facebook page to warn drivers to park properly.

A spokesman said: "We appreciate that parking at Darent Valley Hospital can be very difficult especially at certain times of the day but please can we remind drivers not to park inappropriately.

"This photograph was taken at the hospital yesterday when a mother and her child in a pushchair were nearly hit by another vehicle.

"She had been forced to walk in the road because of all the cars blocking the pathway.

"The hospital is also served by several good bus services which stop right inside the hospital grounds."

Darent Valley Hospital opened in September 2000 to replace the previous West Hill and Joyce Green Hospitals.

The hospital is run by the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust and is set within a 22 hectare site.