Emergency services seal off St George's Street, Canterbury on Monday afternoon. Picture: Richard Roberts

Canterbury city centre was cordoned off on Monday lunchtime after emergency services were called to a suspected underground fire.

The area around St George's Street was closed as a precaution while firefighters investigated the incident.

One engine from Canterbury fire station was sent to the scene after being alerted by an automatic fire alarm just after 1.30pm.

The cause was a smoking electricity box.

Police were also called to help evacuate shoppers and businesses in the area.

Firefighters were stood down at around 2pm, but police continued to seal off the area.