Police and rescue crews have been engaged in a stand-off with a distressed man in the sea.

Witnesses described how the man had thrown rocks and hurled abuse at emergency services, having entered the sea at Viking Bay, at Broadstairs, at around 2pm today.

The man takes a dangerous walk at sea

Crowds gathered on the promenade as the inshore lifeboat and police attempted to negotiate with the man, as he walked on the wall of the tidal pool in the bay.

A police dog was also brought to the scene and bathers advised to leave the water.

One witness said: "They've got emergency services and a police dog, and he's throwing rocks at the police.

"He's in a rock pool and he's screaming and shouting. There's a lot of people on the promenade watching what's going on, and the police seem to be trying to negotiate with him but he's very distressed.

"The Ramsgate inshore lifeboat went up alongside him but he didn't want to engage with them. He was swearing at them."

The man was reportedly detained by police at around 2.45pm.

Kent Police have been approached for further comment.