Two businesses in a shopping centre have closed suddenly.

Royal Star Cafe and Ohm Picked vape store in the Royal Star Arcade, Maidstone, have been forced to shut after being repossessed by their landlords.

A sign issued by Executive Recoveries and Enforcement (ERE) has been stuck on the cafe's shutters.

Dated Thursday, October 20, it states: "These premises have today been seized on the authority of the landlord.

"Notice is hereby served and forfeiture of lease effected."

The same sign has been posted on the Ohm Picked vape store, only a few metres away.

Both businesses say they are still open on social media, however the number for the cafe goes to a short voicemail message saying: "Calls number does not exist".

One man posted on a local Facebook group questioning the sudden closure of the cafe after he went to visit the store.

He said: "Feel for the staff working there as I understand they had no idea and turned up yesterday for work to find the place closed up and repossession order taped to the shutters."

ERE have been contacted for a comment.