Police and fire crews were called to secure a derelict high street department store after squatters were reported to be sleeping inside.

Officers on patrol in Canterbury city centre were made aware of a disturbance inside the long-empty former Nasons site yesterday afternoon.

The incident happened just before 3pm.

Upon investigation, officers discovered evidence of people living in the disused site.

Due to the dilapidated state of the building, police needed the help of the fire service to safely evaluate and secure the former department store’s interior.

A fire service spokesman said: “A Kent Fire and Rescue Service building safety inspector and one fire engine attended the disused Nasons of Canterbury building yesterday (21 November), to check the safety of the property following reports of rough sleepers on site.

“KFRS returned today (22 November) to further assess the risks.

“The key priority is the safety of the people on site, and KFRS is working with the property owner, the local council and Kent Police on this matter.”

Police confirmed no arrests had been made.

A spokesman said: “Kent Police officers on patrol in Canterbury city centre on the afternoon of Monday 22 November 2022 attended a disturbance at a disused building.

“The building was checked with the assistance of Kent Fire and Rescue Service and no arrests were made.”

The Nasons site, which has recently received planning permission for a £26 million redevelopment, has sat empty since its closure in September 2018.

Earlier this month, developers received the green light to begin a £26 million transformation, which has been in the works for three years.

It had been delayed, like many local projects, by the issue of pollution at Stodmarsh Nature Reserve.

The plans were finally approved after developers agreed to tanker sewage away from the site to be disposed of away from the River Stour.

The transformation of Nasons, which lies directly opposite the also-empty former Debenhams, is set to rejuvenate that section of the high street.

When the work is completed, there will be a new retail arcade, a covered market hall, offices, 33 flats and 32 serviced apartments.