Vote counters for the Canterbury district have been given rubber gloves after two mystery vials of liquid were discovered in a ballot box.

The orange capsules were found by people counting votes for the Whitstable division at the Kings Hall in Herne Bay.

They were wrapped in ballot papers and have been sent straight to Canterbury City Council's environmental department for analysis.

City council chief executive and acting returning officer Colin Carmichael said: "You may have noticed a flurry of activity by the Whitstable counting area.

"That's because two small vials of liquid were found in a ballot box.

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"They were not broken and for all we know it may have just been orange juice.

"Our main consideration is for the safety of the counters and they will be given rubber gloves. The police will be notified."

The discovery was made shortly after 10am during counting for the nine seats in Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable.