A man acting as a "human cannonball" has been killed in an accident at a stunt show in Kent.

Police said a safety net gave way during the stunt at the Kent County Showground at Detling.

The man, 23, had been taken to Maidstone Hospital by air ambulance with multiple head and back injuries.

The accident happened at about 1530 BST in a performance by Scott May's Daredevil Stunt Show. A second show due to start at 1930 BST was cancelled.

A statement on the Scott May website states: "With our apologies, due to unforeseen circumstances all shows have been cancelled until further notice."

Insp Tony Ball of Kent Police said the safety net gave way during the stunt in front of crowds at the show.

He said Kent Police were investigating, the Health and Safety executive have been informed and Maidstone Borough Council would also be involved.

A police spokesman said the dead man's next-of-kin had been informed but he had not been formally identified.

Scott May's show has been touring in the UK since 1991 in a season which runs from March to September.

As well as the human cannonball stunt, the show also includes pyrotechnics, motorcycle jumps and monster trucks.

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