Floral tributes at the scene of the building site accident in Bridgefield Road, Swalecliffe. Picture: Chris Davey.

A man arrested on suspicion of corporate manslaughter after a worker was killed on a Whitstable building site has been released on bail.

The 36-year-old from Ramsgate has been released pending further enquiries following the incident in Bridgefield Road, Swalecliffe, on Thursday lunchtime.

Emergency services were called at 12.55pm after reports of an industrial accident.

Kent Fire and Rescue's Urban Search Team, land ambulance crews and police attended and the Kent Air Ambulance landed nearby.

It is understood the 24-year-old man, from Canterbury, fell into the pit when its walls caved in on him.

Flowers and cards have been left at the scene in tribute to him, but he is yet to be formally identified.

The 6ft deep trench is believed to have been created for sewage pipes for the homes that are being built on the land.

Despite attempts to dig him free and resuscitate him, paramedics were unable to save him.

The scene is round the corner from Swalecliffe Community Primary School.

Teachers there told parents to collect their children from the back gate at 3pm.

A statement on the school's website said: "Due to a serious incident where a man has been involved in an accident.

"Kemp Road is closed, all parents are to collect their children at the end of school from the back gate in Swalecliffe Road.

"No child will be allowed to leave the school unaccompanied. All children will be taken care of until parents arrive to collect them.

"Please try and leave Swalecliffe Road as clear as possible."

The next of kin have been informed.

The Health and Safety Executive were also sent to the scene. Police will carry out an investigation, together with the HSE.