A high street shopping centre has been evacuated.

Fire marshals barred people from entering the County Square Shopping Centre in Ashford from about 9.10am this morning.

Alarms could be heard from outside, as people waited by the exit.

Shoppers are now being allowed back in, with the centre confirming it was a practice run.

A spokesman said: "In order to comply with Fire Regulations we carried out an evacuation drill for the entire Shopping Centre with the assistance of all retailers, staff and contractors.

"We would like to thank our shoppers and visitors for their patience whilst we carried out the evacuation."

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford

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