The unexplained death of a woman in a town centre – which prompted a large police cordon - is not being treated as suspicious, police say.

Floral tributes have appeared in Ashford after the woman in her 30s was found unresponsive at 11.20pm on Thursday, January 18.

Emergency services rushed to the scene but despite their best efforts, she was later pronounced deceased.

To allow the police to investigate much of Ashford high street was closed off – between the junctions for Bank Street and Station Road – and was not completely reopened until the following day.

A police spokesperson said today: “Kent Police was called at 11.20pm on Thursday 18 January 2024 after a woman was found unresponsive in Ashford High Street.

“Officers attended along with South East Coast Ambulance Service and the woman, who was in her 30s, was later pronounced deceased.

“Detectives have since been working to establish the circumstances surrounding the woman's death.

“Following enquiries at the scene and a post-mortem examination, the death is not being treated as suspicious and officers will assist the coroner with further enquiries.”

All roads and alleyways leading to the high street were also blocked by police, as emergency services could be seen working in the area.

Then, later on Friday afternoon the cordon was reduced to just the fountain and benches outside Sports Direct in the Lower High Street.

That evening the whole cordon was lifted, with police leaving the scene.

Shops and restaurants that had been unable to open while the cordon was in place and resumed operation.