A man was taken to hospital after falling “head-first” between a train and the platform.

Emergency services were called to Sittingbourne train station yesterday afternoon to reports a passenger had sustained head injuries.

Power to the lines towards Faversham and Sheerness wereswitched off after police, fire crews and paramedics were called at about 3.45pm.

A spokesperson for Southeastern Railway said: "Our staff worked with the emergency services after a man fell between the platform and a train at Sittingbourne station on Tuesday afternoon.

"Services were suspended for around 45 minutes while the man was removed from the tracks and taken to hospital.”

South East Coast Ambulance service confirmed paramedics attended and treated the person at the scene before taking them to Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham for further care.

Ellen Reed, from Sheerness, was boarding the 3.50pm train from the town to the Island when the incident occurred.

The 63-year-old, who was on her way home from work at DWP in Sittingbourne, said: “The train pulled into the station and stopped.

“As I went to get on the bloke did too and he fell head-first between the platform and the train.

“When he was being taken to the ambulance he was talking ok but he had a head injury, it was wrapped up, and some scratches on his legs.

“He was more worried about his bag than himself.”

Ellen said she got back to Sheerness at around 6pm after replacement busses were put in place by Southeastern.

The train company said: "Anyone delayed by more than 15 minutes can claim Delay Repay compensation on our website."

British Transport Police also confirmed its officers responded to reports of a casualty on the tracks.

A spokesperson said: “Officers, ambulance and local fire services attended and were able to get the person safely from the tracks.

“They have been treated for minor injuries, this incident is not thought to be suspicious.”

Kent Fire and Rescue Service also assisted British Transport Police, SECAmb and Southeastern at the station.