A hit and run where a driver crashed into a cyclist and fled - with such force the windscreen smashed - has led to an arrest.

Eye witnesses reported the BMW colliding with the man in his 20s in Bowling Green Lane, Deal, yesterday at 8.10pm.

The victim sustained serious head, rib and internal injuries and was air lifted to Kings College Hospital.

The BMW driver, a 42-year-old man from Deal, left the scene and was later arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Police, who were later seen working at the crash site, closed the road to carry out their investigations.

It has since reopened.

A force spokesman said: "At 8.10pm on Friday 9March 2018 a blue BMW X5 was involved in a a collision with a pedal cyclist on Bowling Green Lane, Deal, close to Church Path.

"The cyclist sustained serious head, rib and internal injuries and was air lifted to Kings College Hospital.

"Kent police serious collision investigation unit officer attended the scene and are asking for any witnesses who saw the BMW or cyclist prior to or after the collision who have yet to speak to police to contact SCIU on 01622 798538 or email scit.td@kent.pnn.police.uk."

An appeal on social media originally said the BMW 5X suv was dark grey, however it was later confirmed as blue.