Canterbury Magistrates' Court was evacuated after a suspicious white powder was sent to the building.

Police, fire and ambulance crews were sent to the scene in Broad Street, Canterbury, as well as specialist teams in protective clothing.

It is thought a letter addressed to District Judge Justin Barron was sent to the site this morning.

Scroll down for audio and video from the scene

When it was opened, a mystery white powder fell out.

It spilt onto the member of legal staff who opened it in the office, sparking a major response from emergency services.

Several staff members, who were said to have been exposed to it, were stripped and decontaminated.

An official at the scene said the substance had been tested and was found to be baking powder.

The building was evacuated, but reopened at around 11am.

An ambulance, paramedic car, two fire engines and a police car were spotted at the scene.

A further two ambulances and a police car were in the car park.

The family and youth courts are sitting today.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police received a report of a suspicious package at Canterbury Magistrates’ Court at 8.55am on Tuesday 24 April 2018.

"Officers are at the scene along with Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the South East Coast Ambulance Service.

"The package was found not to be harmful however enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing."

A spokesman for the court and tribunals service added: "Canterbury Magistrates’ Court was closed for a short while this morning as the police responded to an incident.

"Appropriate protocols were followed, emergency services attended and there were no reported injuries. The court has now re-opened."

An ambulance service spokesman confirmed a Hazardous Area Response Team attended a suspected chemical incident at the court at 9am, but no one was injured.