An 83-year-old man has been arrested after a BMW hit a girl crossing outside a school.

The crash happened near Charles Dickens School in Broadstairs between 8am and 8.20am this morning.

A teenager suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to a London hospital after being hit by a grey BMW on Broadstairs Road, near the junction with Green Lane.

The man, who comes from the town, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving and taken into custody.

A police spokesman said: “Officers are appealing for anyone who saw the collision, or who was in the area and might have dashcam footage which could assist, to call 01843 222289 quoting 28-0256.”

The road was closed for several hours this morning but has since reopened.

An ambulance service spokesman added: “A helicopter from Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex was dispatched to Broadstairs on 28 June.

“Our crew worked with SECAmb and Kent Police to help treat the patient, involved in a road traffic collision.

“They then transported the patient to a major trauma centre at King’s College Hospital by air.”

The arrested man was released on bail until December 29.