Searchlights shone on a building in Ashford town centre last night and the police helicopter circled overhead as a missing 12-year-old boy sparked a rooftop search.

Firefighters used a height vehicle equipped with lights and a thermal imaging camera to help police look for the youngster on the roof of Mecca Bingo in the High Street at about 1am.

They were responding to reports of concern for his welfare.

After about an hour the search was called off but a police spokesman confirmed this morning the boy was found in the town centre later on and detained.