A pensioner has been airlifted to hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries after being hit by a bus.

The man, aged in his 70s, was struck at Folkestone bus station in Middelburg Square at about 10am.

Police sealed off the area as ambulance and fire crews rushed to the scene.

Witness Ruth Knudsen, who had been waiting for a bus to Hythe, told KentOnline: "I was waiting at the bus station in Folkestone this morning at about 10.15 and suddenly noticed a single decker bus on the other side near the offices careering away from its path, to the right and through several barriers.

"I was frozen in the spot and could hardly believe my eyes. It all happened so quickly that there was no time to shout out to a man sitting in a bus shelter in the path of the bus.

"As the bus hit the shelter I had to turn away as I knew there would be total carnage, and the man in the shelter could not know what was about to hit him.

"Fearfully, I turned back as the bus stopped with the shelter and the man trapped underneath.

"It was a sickening sight.

"I was surprised to see what appeared to be the bus driver gathering his things and leaving the bus. At no time did he sound his horn to warn people in his path - is a incredible that thankfully it appears only one person was hit."

A spokesman for bus operator Stagecoach said: "We can confirm one of our buses was involved in an incident at Folkestone bus station this morning.

"Our first thoughts are for the person involved.

"Safety is our absolute priority and we are assisting the investigation into the circumstances involved in every way that we can."

Police confirmed a pensioner has been airlifted to a London hospital with injuries that are believed to be life threatening.

Officers are appealing to any witnesses, who have not yet come forward, who saw the incident, or who have dashcam footage that could help their inquiries, to contact them.

Anyone with information should call the appeal line on 01622 798538, quoting reference MM/VS/094/22. You can also email investigators on sciu.td@kent.police.uk.