A series of loud bangs have been heard across Hythe this afternoon.

It is not yet confirmed why they have gone off but they are not the result of firing at Hythe Ranges, the Ministry of Defence confirmed.

The first one was heard at around 1.15pm with residents also reporting hearing the noise in Saltwood, Seabrook and further afield in Stelling Minnis.

The police have also been contacted for details.