A road block by a “gang” that struck fear among locals is now thought to be a silly prank.

People in Tenterden described being “terrified” and “panicked” after the A28 near Homewood School was blocked in the early hours of today (Saturday).

Someone had strewn sandbags and other debris across the carriageway.

Despite locals’ fears of sinister motives by a “gang” police now believe this was likely to be the work of youths returning home from a night out.

One contributor to Facebook said on Saturday; “They blocked it off with sandbags and bits of old metal railings.

"They were just stood by it. There was a car on the other side but I don’t know if they were involved or just trying to get through.

“But it looks odd because obviously there’s nothing official or no diversion, that’s why I panicked.”

Another said: “Never been so terrified in my life. Please everyone be careful. There was a gang that shut the road off on the A28 by Homewood School.

"I rang the police and they said they’ve already moved them but came and moved them on again.

"So lock your doors, go in the other direction and call the police. Please share this to make friends and family aware.”

A Kent Police spokesman said: “We received reports of a traffic hazard on the A28 near to the Homewood School between midnight and 2am.

“Officers attended and found traffic cones and sandbags had been moved from nearby road works and placed in the road. They removed them. No road traffic collisions or injuries were reported.”