A town centre barber has hit out at police after a "heavy-handed" raid on his business.

Adam Alatar, who owns Adam's Barbers in Week Street, Maidstone, described the moment police burst into his shop at lunch time on Wednesday.

More than a dozen officers, some dressed in riot gear, entered the businesses accompanied by sniffer dogs and immigration enforcement.

He said: "They wouldn't let me stand up and stopped my customers leaving and asked for their details. Of course it has impacted on my business, one of my staff members didn't come in today because of the stress.

"They've taken my business phone and won't let me know when I can have it back, so how can anyone book appointments?"

One man, a friend of Mr Alatar who was visiting while on holiday from Tunisia, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a false ID.

He was led away in handcuffs and put in the back of a police van before being promptly de-arrested.

Mr Alatar's shop and the vacant room above were searched for stolen mobile phones and fragrances, ID cards, bank receipts and drugs.

Neighbouring Starburger was also searched and had to close during the lunch time peak.

Mr Alatar's business phone and a staff member's were removed, along with an ID card believed to have been misplaced by a customer and bank receipts.

Elle Mohammed, a lawyer and friend of Mr Alatar, said a formal complaint had been made.

"We're still none the wiser as to what was going on," she said, "we've just been down to the station and there is no investigating officer responsible for the raid or reason behind it.

"If they had found anything during the search or on Adam's phone he would have been arrested by now."

Mr Alatar added: "It was really heavy-handed. We don't even smoke cigarettes let alone get involved in anything like that."

He added: "They didn't explain why they were there and only produced a warrant when they'd finished searching the place."

Kent Police confirmed they executed a pre-planned warrant and said the operation remains active.

A spokesman added: "On Wednesday Kent Police executed a warrant under the theft act at two addresses in Week Street, Maidstone.

"The warrant covered two premises and was for both police and immigration officials to search the property. Copies of the warrant were left with the owners of both premises and always include the reasons for execution.

"An investigating officer has been assigned to this case and was present at the scene.
Kent Police's execution of this warrant was proportionate and in accordance to national guidelines."