A 42-year-old man has been arrested after a teenage girl was sexually assaulted in Ashford.

Four paths were closed off yesterday following the incident which is reported to have happened in an alleyway off the high street between 9pm and 10pm on Wednesday.

Officers stood guard at Taylors Passage off the high street, a cut-through leading to the Park Mall shopping centre, and a walkway connecting Tufton Street, near Ashford Pizza and Kebab House, to Middle Row.

They also cordoned off Northbrooke Lane off Canterbury Road, not far from the town centre.

Police were seen entering Cafe Madeleine which sits next to Taylors Passage at 8am.

In Park Mall, police blocked off the narrow path between the former Bath Bomb Boom store and By The Tank Cafe.

And in Canterbury Road, police cars were parked at either end of Northbrooke Lane, which sits alongside Canterbury Road Cemetery.

A resident said he heard a police helicopter circling over the area at midnight.

Inquiries into the incident are ongoing and officers have arrested a 42-year-old man as part of their investigation.

Anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious is urged to call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/49456/22.

You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.