A man has been flown to hospital with serious head injuries after being hit by a crane.

Emergency services were called to Countrystyle Recycling in Lenham after reports of a male, in his 30s, being struck by the machine’s grab claw.

He suffered severe head and chest injuries.

Police and ambulance crews attended and the air ambulance landed in a nearby field.

Due to the severity of the man’s injuries he was flown to St George’s Hospital in London.

A South East Coast Ambulance service spokesman confirmed two ambulances and a car were sent to the industrial premises, in Ashford Road near the junction with Maidstone Road, yesterday.

Kent Police were also called. The man remains in hospital in a critical, but stable condition.

The incident has been referred to the Health and Safety Executive for investigation.

A Countrystyle spokesman said: "Kent Police and the Health and Safety Executive are currently investigating the incident and Countrystyle is cooperating fully with their investigation.

"Our thoughts are with our employee and his family at this time."