Police have been carrying out a major security operation at one of Kent's busiest train stations.

Officers have been screening passengers arriving at and departing from Ashford International train station in the hunt for offensive weapons.

They have employed a scanner at the gates, and a police van has been stationed outside the main entrance.

It is not yet know how much of an impact the screening will have as rush-hour traffic pours into the station.

Inspector Jason Atkinson, of the community safety unit at Kent Police, said: "Our officers were patrolling the area of Ashford Railway Station in conjunction with the British Transport Police.

"Officers used a walk-through metal detector, known as a knife arch, to check for the presence of any offensive weapons.

"We continue to carry out targeted operations like this to prevent and disrupt violent crime as they can be successful in deterring criminals, including those carrying knives."

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford

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