Officials at Kemsley Paper Mill have started an investigation into how one of its staff was injured while carrying out maintenance work.

The air ambulance and paramedics were called to the mill after a man fell from scaffolding.

The casualty, believed to be in his 50s, was initially thought to have plunged more than 15ft while working as a contractor at the site.

However, as crews rushed to the scene, it was revealed that the height of the fall was closer to 5ft.

General manager for DS Smith Craig Nicol told KentOnline that a full investigation into the accident was underway and treated these incidents seriously.

"Safety is the business priority and our standard practice is to investigate all accidents and near miss situations, our investigation into this incident is already well under way but not yet fully concluded.

"Our initial investigation suggests that the fall was from a relatively low rung of a ladder that was well secured, in good light and dry conditions.

"The Kemsley Mill has gone 650 days since its last lost time accident," he said.

Emergency crews arrived at the DS Smith paper mill at around 3.30pm Tuesday, with two ambulances and rapid response cars also attending.

The man was reportedly treated for breathing difficulties, back pain and a concussion.

A South East Coast Ambulance spokesman also revealed he suffered from memory loss and periods of unconsciousness.

Air ambulance crews including a doctor joined the paramedics as they took the patient to Medway Maritime Hospital by road.

He was discharged the next morning.