Shoppers were left bemused when a desperate plea requesting police presence could be heard coming from a security van.

The vehicle, marked Loomis, was parked in Ashford's Bank Street, in the town centre, yesterday lunchtime.

It is understood a security alarm wasn triggered, prompting a pre-recorded message to sound.

Passer-by Andy Clark said: "The lights were flashing and a pre-recorded message was saying 'Help, help, security van under attack, call the police '."

The driver of the white van could be seen standing close by and on the phone.

Mr Clark added: "The driver was outside with a cash box, looking a little embarrassed.

"People stood around bemused and laughing, wondering what was going on.

"It appears that a panic alarm had been triggered, needless to say there was no police presence."

Mr Clark, a photographer, said the incident yesterday was the second one in the last week.