Three people have been taken to hospital after reported stabbings in a town centre.

Police were called to reports of an altercation in Spital Street, Dartford last night (August 31) at 8.19pm.

Emergency services attended and the road was cordoned off near the junction with Orchard Street and the Flying Boat pub.

Three people were taken to hospital with injuries consistent with stab wounds. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Police say an investigation to determine the full circumstances is ongoing.

This afternoon businesses spoke of their shock as community services and trade was disrupted.

A local trader, who did not want to be named, said: "We didn't realise what had happened until we came to start work in the morning and the area was closed off.

“There is still a police presence this afternoon.”

They added: "This is very shocking. This is not a quiet area, it is busy with shoppers during the day and at night, people going to the pubs.

“There are fights here sometimes but nothing like this has happened.”

Officers remain in the area with Spital Street still closed to assist enquiries. Access to the street via Kent Road has also been restricted.

The closure impacted hundreds of churchgoers this morning who were unable to attend services at the Net Church Dartford.

Pastor Jaya Judd said: “Unfortunately we are unable to open due to the roads being closed and our fire exits being blocked off too due to the cordon so it would be unsafe to have people in the building.”

She added that services due to take place at 11am this morning and 1pm this afternoon would instead take place online, streamed on YouTube.

It’s understood Sainsbury’s inside the Priory Shopping Centre remains open.

Following the incident, Dartford MP Jim Dickson posted his concerns to X, formerly Twitter. He said: “Very concerned about this violent incident in the centre of Dartford last night.

“I hope all involved make a full recovery. I will be asking @KentPoliceDart what more can be done to tighten up security in the town to make everyone safer!”