Drivers were left shocked when a stag ran across a busy road and into traffic this morning.

It is understood the animal hit a vehicle in Ramsgate Road, close to the junction with the B2052 College Road in Margate.

Police have been called to the scene and the stag has been contained to a car park.

The force says it is liaising with a vet and animal organisations to transport the animal to a safer location.

Lindsey Sutton witnessed the collision first-hand at about 11.30am.

She said: “I was sitting at the Victoria traffic lights going straight on and it ran past us on the left across the traffic lights and into a car.

“Then it went into Victoria Flooring.

“I’m not sure how they caught it but when we turned around they had it confined behind gates. Then the police turned up.

“It was a bit of a shock.”

A police spokesman added: “Kent Police is currently attending Canterbury Road in Margate, following a report that a deer was causing a risk to traffic shortly before 11am.

“Officers have contained the deer to ensure its welfare, and are liaising with a vet and animal organisations to transport the animal to a safer location.”

It is thought the stag is the same one spotted in nearby Garlinge in October.

At the time, motorists were warned to look out for the animal.

It is thought that the deer, believed to be a fallow, was in the area due to rutting season, when males head out and cover large distances looking for a mate.

In October, Niamh Gerrard was driving near Quex Park in Birchington when the animal ran out in front of her.

She said: “I slammed my brakes on and pulled to the side of the road to get a picture as I wanted to warn other drivers to just take care on the road.

“It would not only injure the animal if he was hit, but with the size of him, there’s a high chance of the driver or passengers getting injured also.

“It was a big shock. I’ve lived in Thanet my whole life and have never seen one just wandering around the fields and road.”