Emergency services were scrambled last night amid fears for the safety of a person on a major river crossing.

The incident on the Rochester Bridge over the River Medway began at around 9pm.

Due to the concern that someone might potentially fall into the water below, an inshore lifeboat from the Sheerness RNLI station was called out to the scene.

Coxswain mechanic Paul Jarvis said: “We got a call to a person threatening to jump off the A2 bridge.

“It’s often the case they get on the bridge and then the police, ambulance, coastguard and the lifeboat turn up, and then after a while they disappear off with the police or ambulance. But rather that than be picking a body up.”

The lifeboat was at the scene until 11.20pm, and the bridge was temporarily closed westbound while the emergency services dealt with the situation.

A police spokesman said: “Kent Police was called at 8.54pm on Saturday to concerns for the welfare of a person on the A2 in Rochester.

“Officers and paramedics attended the scene and a man was taken into the care of health professionals.”

Kent Fire and Rescue Service was also in attendance at the incident, deploying two fire engines and the water safety unit, and operating a drone in the area for around 45 minutes from 10.30pm.