An eight-year-old girl had to be rescued by firefighters after becoming trapped in a flooded car park.

The youngster had been trying to use a play area in Leysdown, on the Isle of Sheppey, when she became distressed.

Kent Fire and Rescue confirmed she got struck in water around 15 inches deep and they had to wade in to get her out.

Watch manager Andy Bridger-Smart, from Sheppey fire station, said: "Once the girl had managed to reach the play area, she was wet, cold and scared to get off the equipment.

"We used water rescue equipment including a lifejacket and probe to check for obstacles and other hazards under the water, and carried the girl back to dry land where she was checked over by paramedics and returned to the care of her parents."

It happened near the village hall on Warden Bay Road at around 3.35pm and prompted fire chiefs to issue a warning to residents.

WM Bridger-Smart said: "Our advice to anyone is to not enter floodwater (or any other dirty, standing water) no matter how well you know the area.

“There could be unseen hazards such as lifted drain covers which could cause a person to be injured or trapped.

“And once you’re in the water, hypothermia sets in quickly, causing additional risks to your health."

For more details about water safety, click here.