Two people had to be dragged from the sea in a dramatic rescue after a man entered the water to help a woman.

UK Coastguard were called shortly after 10am to a female in distress in the sea off Reculver Towers.

Margate's RNLI inshore lifeboat was tasked to help, alongside crews from Whitstable lifeboat station, HM Coastguard rescue helicoper from Lydd Airport, coastguard rescue teams from Margate and Herne Bay, police and the ambulance service.

The lifeboat found a woman, along with a man who had gone into the sea to help, between Minnis Bay and Reculver.

Teams faced a confusing situation and two of the crew entered the water to help.

After some effort the two casualties were pulled ashore and clear of the water where casualty care was given by a paramedic from the coastguard helicopter.

The two patients were then handed into the care of the shore-based ambulance team, coastguard rescue team and police.

Nick Smith, deputy launching authority at Margate lifeboat station, said: "This was a particularly tricky and prolonged rescue operation for the lifeboat crew and far from straightforward requiring specialist skills to ensure the lives of these two people could be saved.

"If you see anyone in difficulties at sea or on the shoreline dial 999 and ask for coastguard."