Police closed off a town centre garden as part of an investigation into a disturbance in a shopping centre.

The search comes after armed officers swooped on Ashford on Tuesday, following reports that an armed group had been spotted in County Square.

National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopters circled over the town centre following the incident, which according to eyewitnesses, involved a gang flashing knives and a machete.

Three knives were seized by officers.

The Memorial Gardens in Church Road, which is located close to the where the incident broke out, was shut to the public earlier today.

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) tied a notice to the gate warning the public that it would be closed for most of the day.

Officers have since arrested seven suspects, including a 26-year-old man from London, four 17-year-old boys, an 18-year old man and a 19-year-old man, all from Ashford.

Yesterday, a 17-year-old appeared in Margate Magistrates' Court after being charged with affray in connection with the disturbance.

Two 17-year-old boys and the 19-year-old were released on bail and the London man was released under investigation.

The remaining two people arrested were released without charge.

A police spokeswoman said: "Officers remain in Ashford town centre, carrying out inquiries as part of the investigation into a disturbance reported on Tuesday."

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