Hundreds of bees were spotted swarming in a busy high street this afternoon.

The winged creatures were seen at around 3pm in Canterbury.

A stunned onlooker said: “I was walking to the canals when I suddenly noticed hundreds, maybe even thousands, of bees flying around in the middle of the high street.

“They weren’t causing any harm but it still isn’t something you expect to see.

“However, on my way back into the town the bees had gone.”

She then explained that they had moved onto the Mezze Bar & Grill in St Peter's Street, and were swarming outside the establishment.

“I spotted them bundled around a potted bush,” she added. “Perhaps they were chasing the queen bee from their hive.”

The restaurant confirmed they have called a specialist, who is currently on-site removing the bees.

In May, a cluster had to be rescued from the town’s historic Westgate Towers.

Bee keeper Michael Cox previously told KentOnline that the winged insects swarm as a natural part of their reproductive process.

“They tend to be very docile as they’re 100% focused on staying with the queen,” he explained. “Provided people aren’t aggravating them, you will be absolutely safe around them.

“As long as you’re calm and relaxed, there will not be any issues.

“You should call a beekeeper if you see a swarm.

“They’re not a risk while they’re in the cluster but if they move into someone’s house, that’s a problem.”

Swarms usually happen on warm and sunny days from May to the end of July.