A man has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving after a football club chairman was hit by a van on an industrial estate.

Police were called to the John Wilson Business Park in Whitstable following the incident at 9.20am this morning.

Herne Bay FC chairman Sam Callander, who had only recently been appointed to the role, suffered a number of injuries.

The football club posted on its Twitter and Facebook pages this evening: “Everyone at Herne Bay Football Club would like to wish our chairman a speedy recovery! Get well soon, Sam!”

A number of fans have also shared messages wishing the former player a quick recovery.

A 48-year-old is in police custody in connection with the incident, which sparked a huge police response, including the arrival of armed officers.

Mr Callandar – who is also a youth coach at Herne Bay FC - was taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

Staff at Achieving Clarity – a chartered accountancy firm on the business park – had taken care of him in their office before emergency crews arrived at the scene.

A director of the firm, who asked only to be named as Christian, told KentOnline: “He was outside our door holding his left leg and saying he was in a lot of pain.

“We helped him inside and took care of him while the paramedics were on their way.

“Armed police and paramedics showed up and the man’s family also arrived.

“At one point there were about 25 police officers in our office.”

A police spokesperson said: “A 48-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and remains in custody while enquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident continue.”

Armed police are understood to have attended because they were among the closest available units to scene, and not because the incident required firearms officers.