A person hit by a bus next to a shopping centre has been airlifted to hospital with a serious injury.

The accident happened in Home Gardens, outside The Orchards and Aldi in Dartford, at 1.40pm, prompting a large emergency response as traffic ground to a halt.

Police helped to divert traffic as medics tended to the injured person.

A police spokesman said: “Kent Police was called after a bus collided with a pedestrian in The Orchards, Dartford.

“Officers attended alongside South East Coast Ambulance Service. A woman was taken to a London hospital with a serious injury.”

Traffic was stopped in both directions, however, congestion is easing after the accident was cleared, according to traffic analyst Inrix.

South East Coast Ambulance Service has been contacted for more information.