The discovery of a suspicious "hissing" object on the seafront by a member of the public prompted a large emergency services response.

Fire crews and the coastguard were called to a section of beach at Marine Terrace in Margate this afternoon.

It comes after a member of the public found a suspicious object, described as a a corroded cylinder "making a hissing sound".

Two fire engines attended shortly before 5pm.

Police also set up a cordon on the stretch of the promenade opposite the Arlington House tower block.

Firefighters and hazardous material officers assessed the item, which had washed ashore.

However, on closer investigation it turned out to be a false alarm, and it was determined the object posed no risk to the public.

The incident was declared officially over shortly before 6pm.