Asda in Chatham was evacuated earlier today after a coded message was left at the store.

Police were immediately contacted and the supermarket was evacuated at 11am.

Kent Police's tactical support unit searched the aisles of the Maidstone Road supermarket but found nothing suspicious.

Customers were asked to leave with motorists stopped from travelling along the nearby A229 as a precaution.

Staff were told to congregate in the far corner of the car park, a safe distance from the main building.

The Army bomb disposal squad were consulted but not called in. The store re-opened at 12.50pm.

A spokesman for Kent Police, said: "We would like to thank the staff and customers of ASDA, Chatham for their patience and understanding following an incident at the store this morning.

"Officers, along with staff from Asda, acted swiftly to evacuate the building and deal with the incident, which is now being investigated."