A cruise passenger was airlifted to hospital this morning in a dramatic rescue after falling ill.

A spokesman for Port of Tilbury police said: "You may have seen the Maritime and Coastguard Agency [helicopter] above the Ambience cruise liner this morning.

"On approach to Tilbury a passenger was safety airlifted and taken to hospital following illness."

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Rescue crews were tasked at about 7am this morning to assist with the medical emergency at the London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury.

Gravesend RNLI was one of the crews launched to assist with the rescue.

A spokesman said on its Facebook page: "Medical evacuation of a casualty onboard the cruise ship (Ambience) docked at London Cruise Terminal.

"Thank you to Maritime Coastguard helicopter Rescue 163 for the assistance."