A woman collapsed and died in Maxted's pet and garden shop in Deal High Street today.

Police and ambulance crews were called to the scene at about 11.30am but the woman, believed to be in her early 80s, died at the scene.

Martin Very, police spokesman, said: "Kent Police were called to an incident at a shop in the High Street, Deal at 11.31am this morning by South East Coast Ambulance Service.

"It appears a woman in her 80s collapsed and died whilst in the shop. Her next of kin have been contacted.

"Her death is not being treated as suspicious."

Passers-by said police tape cordoned off the area while paramedics tried to save the woman.

Rich Airey, press spokesman for SECAmb said: "Ambulance crews attended the scene following reports a woman had collapsed.

"Sadly despite the efforts of the crews and members of the public prior to our arrival the woman died at the scene."