by Molly Mileham-Chappell and Matt Leclere

A team of riot police descended on a pub in Ashford town centre at lunchtime.

The incident at The George in High Street is believed to have been linked to concerns police had for the welfare of a mother and child, who were in a room at the pub.

A man was arrested in connection with the incident, but released without charge following enquiries which established that no crime had been committed.

The drama began to unfold after officers were initially called to the town centre just after 9.30am and conducted inquiries at various town centre shops, including Wilko in Park Street and Poundstretcher in the Park Mall shopping centre.

As the situation developed, a squad of police officers targeted the pub.

Around 10 officers were inside the pub for around 45 minutes before plain clothes officers, riot police and dogs arrived.

Officers stood at pub's front and back entrances in the High Street and Park Street, but customers were still allowed to enter.

The team disappeared upstairs to rooms above the bar while officers stood guard outside and a plain-clothed officer armed with a taser remained inside.

Pub staff said it involved people inside one of the rooms but were unable to give further details.

The pub remained open throughout the operation.

Both the mother and child are said to be safe and well.

A man and woman are currently helping officers with their inquiries.

At one point seven police vehicles were seen in the town centre.

The George is in the middle of Ashford town centre, next door to WH Smith and near the bandstand. As well as the bar, the pub also has 14 bed and breakfast rooms on the upper floors.

A police helicopter was also spotted hovering over the town for about 30 minutes at around 11am. National Police Air Service, which owns the helicopter, has been contacted for further information.