Port Lympne animal park has confirmed it has bolstered its security following reports of suspicious behaviour, which is being investigated by police.

It comes after two men were seen acting strangely near the animal enclosures of the Lympne attraction at 2.47am yesterday.

Officers visited the park and carried out a search, but no-one was found.

Police have spoken to the park’s directors and given safety advice.

A spokesman for the zoo said: "Port Lympne Reserve has increased its internal security following an incident in which the police were called to the animal park.

“We are grateful to the police for their continuing vigilance.

"We are obviously taking steps to ensure the protection of the park and the animals.

"This incident is not thought to have posed any threat whatsoever to the public: it should not deter anyone from visiting us and seeing our animals which enjoy some of the finest conditions of captivity anywhere in the world.”

Anyone who saw suspicious activity near to the perimeter of the park is asked to contact Sergeant Maxine Harris at Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 15-103.