Two people were taken to hospital after a jet ski crashed into Deal Pier.

Emergency services responded to the incident at about 7.30pm last night, but the two on-board had managed to get themselves back to shore.

At least three members of the public entered to water to assist - one of which was later taken to the QEQM in Margate.

HM Coastguard received multiple 999 calls to the incident which happened in front of thousands who had lined the street to watch the town's annual carnival parade.

Onlookers reported hearing a "big bang" as the jet ski ploughed into one of the main pier supports.

A spokesman said: "Deal Coastguard Rescue Team and Walmer RNLI lifeboat were immediately sent to the scene, alongside the South East Coast Ambulance Service and Kent Police.

"Two people were transferred into the care of the ambulance service – one of which was one of the assisting members of the public."

An ambulance blocked the road by The Regent in Beach Street halting the procession featuring more than 50 floats for about half an hour.

Chairman of Deal & Walmer Regatta Association John Trickey, who organises the carnival, said: "Despite the delay, no one disappeared so we'd like to thank those who waited.

"There's been very few occasions in our 22 year history that we've had to stop the parade.

"There was one time when an elderly lady had fallen off the kerb but we only stopped for about five minutes.

"The other time was in 2003 when we attempted to break the world record for the most people in once place doing the YMCA."

Mr Trickey commented on the goodwill of people taking part in the parade who went off to help.

That included volunteer Beverley-Jayne Last of Deal Community First Responders and the HM Coastguard and Kent Fire and Rescue whose emergency vehicles were leading the procession.

A Dover District Council spokesman said: "We are aware of last night’s incident involving a jet ski and officers will be undertaking an inspection."