A shopping centre, which was closed for more than four hours while emergency services helped a distressed man, has now reopened.

Officers and fire crews were called just before 8am to The Mall, in Pads Hill, Maidstone.

Two fire engines attended 20 minutes later to assist along with paramedics.

The man has now been passed into the care of health care professionals.

Shoppers were being turned away from the car park by a steward and nobody was allowed in.

Doors were blocked near the bus station, at the entrance along Kings Street and through Boots as well as at Gabriel's Hill.

People gathered outside Next inside the centre.

One shopper said: "I came through at 8.25am and they had blocked off the middle section top and bottom. Between the escalators."

A member of staff at The Grooming Lounge, Carl Campbell, explained he saw a man rocking back and forth on the edge of the first floor.

He said: "We got in this morning but we are not allowed to leave and nobody is allowed to enter.

"He was stood on the first floor so everyone has to be careful I suppose.

"We have been told we can't leave and not to stalk in case he hears us and it distresses him further.

"A negotiator has arrived and has been talking to him. The man is walking along the edge next to the escalator.

"I can't imagine what is going through his mind when we first came in he was just rocking back and forth.

"I hope someone can get in touch with him and help him down."

Sandra Cray, 73,of Wyatt Street, said: "Security were looking towards Next. I am wanting to go back in.

"We were evacuated at about 9.10am they told us to leave and told us there has been an incident.

"I wasn't allowed to pay for my shopping in Hughes so they said they would put my clothes behind the counter."

Another witness, Lorraine Janczeewski, said she had been waiting for 40 minutes to try and get inside at the Gabriel's Hill entrance.

One Maidstone ambassadors have also been at the scene this morning helping to control crowds.

Despite rumours circulating the man has a knife, Kent Police has told the Kent Messenger this is not the case.

No offences have been reported.

A spokesperson for The Mall said: " Shortly before 8am this morning staff at The Mall, Maidstone were alerted to a situation involving a distressed man within the centre.

"The emergency services were immediately informed and are on-site. Access to the centre has been temporarily suspended while the incident is dealt with and the individual receives the necessary care.

"The safety of our guests is paramount and we are doing all we can to support the emergency services on the ground. We would like to thank everyone for their understanding at this time and we will provide further information as necessary."

The centre opened at around 1pm.

More as we get it.

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