A CREWMAN died today after an accident aboard a dredger on the River Medway at Gillingham.

The emergency services were called to Gillingham Reach at about 10.15am. The victim is thought to have been crushed by piping.

He was flown to Maidstone Hospital by the RAF following a mass rescue bid which involved coastguards, land and air ambulances and the Sheerness Lifeboat.

The name of the victim, thought to be in his 40s, has not yet been released but Kent Police say he is not believed to be from this county.