Police raced to a Herne Bay bank with lights flashing and sirens sounding - after red-faced staff locked themselves inside.

A patrol car and police van pulled up outside HSBC in the High Street as stunned passersby looked on.

But officers were heard chuckling moments later as it emerged at least two female bank employees were locked inside.

Police confirmed they were called shortly after 6pm yesterday and alerted the bank manager when officers discovered the gaffe.

The women were let out of the building at 6.35pm.