There was a huge emergency response near a town shopping centre.

A search of the river near The Mall in Romney Place, Maidstone, on Wednesday (April 9) lasted nearly eight hours.

Fire crews, ambulance and police were all at the scene and the entrance to the mall basement, near Sainsbury’s, was closed off.

The fire service said it was called to reports of people entering the water shortly before 1pm.

A spokesperson said: “Four fire engines and the water safety unit are currently in attendance and crews are being assisted by the search and rescue dog team.

“The precautionary search concluded and no persons were found in the water.”

Emergency services left by 9.39pm.

The Mall declined to comment.