Hundreds of people are believed to have had sleepless nights because of a loud mechanical noise.

The buzzing or whistling din, which started at about 9pm last night, affected people living in and around Queensway, Sheerness.

It is believed to have come from a factory in nearby Dorset Road but this is yet to be confirmed.

Scroll down to listen to an audio clip of the noise

Coincidentally, Queensway featured in the news in June when resident Sarah Wilson told of her battle to sleep.

The mum-of-two had endured months of hearing a low humming noise which other members of the family couldn't hear.

Speaking this morrning, she said she'd also been up half the night but this noise was "completely different" to the usual one.

"It's kept everyone awake," she said. "Me, the kids, my neighbour.

"We've had to keep the windows closed and you know how warm it was last night.

AUDIO: The noise recorded by resident Casey Ball

"My husband went looking for the source of the noise about 12.30am and couldn't find anything but I went out at 7.15am and spoke to a lady who thought it was from a factory.

"The noise was completely different to the other one, this was more like a dentist drill but a lot louder.

"It was a 'call the police' kind of noise, the sort you want to take a baseball bat to, if you can find where it's coming from."

Video: A resident says she was woken by the high pitched noise

Residents in nearby Coates Avenue and Linden Drive have also reported being disturbed by the sound which stopped shortly before 8am.

According to Mrs Wilson, the noise would stop for a while before starting up at various points throughout the early hours.

Fellow Queensway resident Cindy Bowey, 69, said she'd been awoken by the sound about 2.30am when it was preceded by a series of "thumps".

She said: "It's been a nightmare. My ears are still ringing now, I'm a real grumpy drawers this morning."

The great grandmother added: "It was totally unbearable. We had to close all the windows. My husband Vic has been up since 4am as he could just lay there anymore."

A Swale council spokesman said: "We are encouraging people to report the noise with as much information as possible - particularly the location - so we can investigate and take any necessary action."