Bystanders rushed to the aid of a woman as she gave birth in a petrol station forecourt this afternoon.

It is thought the woman was being driven to Medway Hospital by her partner when they were forced to pull into the Texaco service station in Anthony's Way on the Medway City Estate, as she was giving birth in the car.

Petrol station team manager Zara Bennett said: "I was in the office when I heard screams. I thought there was a domestic, but we looked outside and there were people running to the car.

Ambulance crew was at the scene. Stock picture.

"Someone said they were on the way to the delivery suite - they must have had to pull in here."

She said the woman gave birth in the car and was then taken by ambulance to hospital.

South East Coast Ambulance confirmed crews were called to reports a woman in the late stages of labour shortly before 12.30pm.

A spokesman said the baby was born before their arrival, adding: "The crews treated the mum and baby before taking her to Medway Maritime Hospital. We wish them both well."