Emergency services were scrambled to a busy harbour after a shopper died suddenly.

Paramedics were called to building firm Brett Aggregates in Whitstable after a customer became unwell.

Despite the best efforts of those involved on Friday morning, he could not be saved.

A Brett Aggregates spokesman said: “A customer was taken ill and collapsed at our site at Whitstable Harbour and the emergency services were called.

“Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone involved the customer was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of our customer at this time and we are grateful to everyone on site and the emergency services for their efforts and speed of response.”

Brett Aggregates says it is the largest independent producer of sand and gravel in the UK.

Eyewitnesses posted on social media about the huge emergency services presence in the area.

An ambulance service spokesman said: “We were called at about 10.30am on Friday to reports a person had collapsed at Whitstable Harbour.

“Ambulance crews attended the scene alongside fellow emergency service teams.

“Sadly despite the best efforts of all those involved, the person was pronounced dead at the scene.”