Three alleyways in Ashford were taped off by police as part of a sexual assault investigation.

Officers stood guard at Taylors Passage off the high street, a cut-through leading to the Park Mall shopping centre, and Northbrooke Lane off Canterbury Road.

Police say it was all part of the same investigation into a reported sexual assault between 9pm and 10.30pm yesterday.

This morning, officers were seen entering Cafe Madeleine which sits next to Taylors Passage at 8am.

The passage runs between Park Street and the high street, leading to the taxi rank outside Wilko.

In Park Mall, police blocked off the narrow path between the former Bath Bomb Boom store and By The Tank Cafe.

And in Canterbury Road, police cars were parked at either end of Northbrooke Lane, which sits alongside Canterbury Road Cemetery.

A resident said they heard a police helicopter circling over the area at midnight.

Anyone who believes they have any information that may assist the investigation should call 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/49456/22.