Police have confirmed a man's body has been recovered from the River Medway in Maidstone.

A large-scale search was launched yesterday afternoon, in the section of water near to House of Fraser in the town centre.

Following the extensive operation, the force has this morning issued a tragic update.

A spokesperson said: "Officers attended the scene, alongside Kent Fire and Rescue Service, Kent Search and Rescue and the South East Coast Ambulance, where the body of a man was recovered.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a report will be prepared for the coroner."

Emergency services were called to the river just before 4.40pm yesterday, with a police helicopter also being scrambled.

The were responding to concerns a man had been seen in the water.

Our reporter, who was at the scene yesterday, said: "There are police in Asda and people watching from over the river.

"More than 10 emergency service vehicles are here including a critical care unit. There's a drone and divers out over the water.

The police operation resulted in heavy congestion around Maidstone as emergency crews scoured the river.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone