Emergency services at the scene in Manorfield, Singleton

by Thom Morris

A man has been found dead at his Ashford home with an unknown chemical discovered by his side.

Swathes of police, fire crews and ambulance staff rushed to the property, in Manorfield, Singleton, at 1.40pm yesterday.

A small cul-de-sac on the road was sealed off and ambulance crews in protective suits entered the house to remove the chemical - believed to be an acid.

The man is believed to have been in his 50s.

Kent Police spokesman Jon Green said: "We were called for the concern of the welfare of a man not moving and lying on the ground at his home address.

"An unknown substance had been found in the house and we're working with Kent Fire and Rescue to discover what that is."

A paramedic wears a protective chemical suite in Manorfield, Singleton

Concerned residents gathered on the road when, at its peak, there were fire engines from as far away as Maidstone.

Support units, an ambulance, medic car, police cars and a police van were also in attendance.