A town centre cordon has been lifted following a woman’s “unexplained death”.

Earlier today, officers closed almost all of Ashford high street – between the junctions for Bank Street and Station Road – following a call at 11.20pm yesterday.

All roads and alleyways leading to the high street were also blocked by police, as emergency services could be seen working in the area.

Then, late this afternoon the cordon was reduced to just the fountain and benches outside Sports Direct in the Lower High Street.

Earlier this evening the whole cordon was lifted, with police leaving the scene. Eateries and bars in the area have started to open for night-time trade.

A bouquet has been left resting at the tree near the fountain.

A force spokesman said: “Police were called following a report a woman had been found unresponsive in Ashford’s Lower High Street.

“Officers attended along with the ambulance service and the woman was later pronounced deceased.

“The death is currently being treated as unexplained and officers remain in the area carrying out inquiries.”

A witness reported that about 10 officers and three police cars were at the scene this morning.

The Lower High Street, top end of Bank Street and part of the Upper High Street by the bandstand were all closed off.

Shops were unable to open as usual, with The County Hotel – the town’s Wetherspoon pub – also shut.

Jim Uttley, of Bobinski Tattoo in the Lower High Street, said his business would be closed all day.

"One of our artists went into the studio early but she had to go through the back," he said.

"She was told by a police officer the shop had to remain closed today so we have all taken the day off."

Dhan Rogu, owner of Variety Cash and Carry in the Lower High Street, told KentOnline police have “not been able to say anything about what is happening”.

"I can't get inside unless I go through the front door and I can't get there which is really frustrating, my staff are just waiting to be told they can open,” he said.

Geoff Mathews, of Soundcraft Hi-Fi in the Lower High Street, said he had heard a “serious incident” had happened in the Lower High Street at about 11pm.

“A colleague is at the shop, but police have said to us please don't open until they say when,” he said.

A spokesman for the ambulance service said: “Two ambulance crews and three single responder vehicles attended the scene.

“Sadly despite the efforts of all those involved, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.”

In a statement, Ashford Borough Council said it is “saddened to hear of this incident”.

“Our sympathies and condolences go to the relatives and friends of the woman found in the town centre,” it said.