A mum whose child became trapped head first in sand underneath a climbing frame is calling for new safety measures to be introduced.

Tina Johnson’s six-year-old son Vincent was tunnelling under the ship-shaped structure in Beachfields Park, off Beach Street, Sheerness, when the sand started falling in around him.

Miss Johnson only spotted him when she saw his legs flailing and said it could have ended a lot worse if she had not seen it sooner.

She drove him to Medway Maritime Hospital, where she said they spent eight hours getting rid of the sand he had swallowed.

“It should either be filled in or something put in to stop children from being able to dig underneath. It’s only a matter of time before somebody gets hurt" - Tina Johnson

The 44-year-old, who was visiting the town from Holborough Lakes, near Snodland, said the site is not safe and called for something to be done to prevent it happening again.

She said: “It should either be filled in or something put in to stop children from being able to dig underneath. It’s only a matter of time before somebody gets hurt.”

She added her child had been left shaken by the incident.

A spokesman for Swale council, which looks after the play equipment, said: “We have spoken to the family following this incident, and hope to be able to meet with them soon so we can fully understand the circumstances, and take any necessary remedial action.

“When equipment is installed, it has to meet strict safety standards and we regularly inspect play areas to make sure the play equipment and surrounding areas are safe.

“Unfortunately, incidents can still happen, so it is important we work with people to make sure we are doing what we can to keep the facilities safe for everyone. If anyone finds a fault with, or has concerns about, any of our play equipment, please report it to us on 01795 417850.”