A mystery air raid-style siren which awoke families at 5am has been revealed... as a dodgy tannoy system.

Householders around Sandling, Maidstone were perplexed when the high-pitched noise shattered their peace last Thursday.

It appeared to be accompanied by words on a tannoy giving people directions.

The finger of suspicion was pointed at the visitor attraction Kent Life and even Maidstone Prison.

Now the 'culprit' has come forward - Invicta Park army barracks, home to the 36 Engineers.

A red-faced spokesman said the cause of the noise was a faulty tannoy system.

That is now being fixed, and has been switched off as work is continuing to repair it.