A special police marine unit is searching the River Stour today after a man was spotted in the water.

Emergency crews were called to the swollen river after the sighting near the Kingsmead depot at 7.20am.

A woman called 999 after seeing the man and becoming concerned for his welfare because of the temperature of the water.

The man smiled at the woman and gestured the "peace" sign with his hand, but had disappeared when she looked again.

A police helicopter and fire crews were called in to help with the search, but the man has not yet been found.

Officers searched the area with help of the police helicopter, Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the Kent Police Marine Unit.

A different member of the public phoned police later to say they had seen a man get out of the river a bit further from the original sighting and he appeared to be safe.

The man is asked to phone Kent Police on 101, quoting incident reference 03-134.

Did you see the man in the river? Phone the newsdesk on 01227 475915.