A concerned commuter has described seeing police remove a man from Ashford International Station after he had been "praying on a prayer mat" for two hours.

The man, believed to be in his late 20s or early 30s and of Asian origin, reportedly had his hood up and was ignoring passersby and police.

He was detained under the Mental Health Act as officers felt he was acting suspiciously and were also concerned for his well-being.

A witness said armed police arrived and took over from regular officers but police have not confirmed this.

The witness told Kent Online: "Anyone wondering what's occurring at Ashford International Station, the police have just put someone in their car. He was praying on his prayer mat since 6am with his hood up and ignoring people."

He said the man knelt down near the arrivals area after asking staff about destinations he could travel to from the station.

He "gave the impression he was either under the influence of drugs or was in need of psychological assistance" and did not look directly at anyone while speaking with them, the witness added.

Kent Police spokesman Jon Green said: "Kent Police was called to Ashford International Station just after 8am to reports of a suspicious man who gave cause for concern and did not respond when spoken to. He was detained for health reasons."

British Transport Police spokesman Dominic Sutton added: "We were called to Ashford International Station shortly before 8am to reports of a man behaving suspiciously.

“Colleagues from Kent Police also attended. A man has been detained under the Mental Health Act.”

Neither force would give any more details.

Southeastern has been approached for a comment.

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