Police were called to a shopping centre following reports of a suspicious package.

Officers descended at 3.10pm after reports of the suspect item at the County Square car park in Ashford.

But on investigation, officers discovered that the package which was causing concern was nothing more than 'an old pair of trainers'.

Kent Police Ashford tweeted about the incident this afternoon, stating there was 'no need for alarm'.

The tweet said: "Sus package at @CountySquare #Ashford turned out to be old pair of trainers. No need for alarm but remain vigilant."

Mick Webb, operations manager for the shopping centre, said: "The centre was not evacuated.

"We closed the entrance to the two car parks and NCP manned the exits.

"We then carried out the well rehearsed search routine of the car parks."

The centre spokesman said that the two PCSO's attended, and the suspicious package was found in phase two of the NCP County Square car park, which holds the blue and green car park.

Police officers deemed it to be a well-intentioned false alarm.