A woman visiting the beach was left trapped in a seafront lift after a power cut.

Firefighters were called to the Viking Bay lift in Broadstairs to release the woman stuck inside.

Witnesses reported hearing the alarm going off shortly before 1pm at the lift which joins the clifftop promenade with the town's beach.

Residents and businesses throughout the town centre reported losing electricity for around half an hour this lunchtime.

The woman was trapped for around 30 minutes until fire crews arrived.

Power was restored a short time later and Thanet District Council engineers were sent to carry out checks on the lift equipment.

A worker at the Morelli's Gelato parlour - opposite Victoria Gardens where the lift is located - said they had experienced a power cut which had also stopped the lift from working.

Catryn Beynon, who was visiting the beach with her baby, said: "There was a man with a walkie talkie who was there for a little bit.

"By the time I got to the top it was all closed and there were two people from the council who were confused as to what was going on and if the people had even been rescued."

A fire service spokesman said: "Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a person stuck in a lift on Victoria Parade in Broadstairs at 12.59pm on June 25. The female was released from the lift car and duty of care was left with the bay inspector."

A spokesman for Thanet council said: "We were notified of persons stuck in the lift at Viking Bay, Broadstairs following a suspected power cut in the area.

"Those within the lift had pressed the emergency call button, which notified engineers who responded as per our normal process. The fire brigade attended to release those in the lift.

"The lift was closed briefly whilst engineering checks took place, but has now been reopened."

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