A large-scale emergency response was launched last night when a dog covered in a mysterious green liquid sparked a chemical alert.

Police officers and firefighters were called to Snave, on Romney Marsh, and sealed off the area for several hours.

But it is now thought the hapless hound was covered in a less-than-harmful substance... after being soaked in watered-down washing-up liquid.

Emergency services were called to Ashford Road at just before 8.30pm and sealed off the area for several hours.

A neighbour said: "They came out after a report of a strange green substance being discovered by a couple on their dog.

"Two fire trucks were blocking access to the road in Snave."

The dog was taken to a veterinary surgery to be washed down and was found to be unharmed well.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service carried out tests on the substance, which was believed to be harmless.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "We were called to reports of a dog in distress, suggesting it was covered in green liquid of unknown origin.

"The dog was reported to have suffered no injuries from the incident and it is believed the substance may have been watered-down washing-up liquid."

It is not know how the dog came to be soaked in the liquid, but police said inquiries were ongoing.