Armed officers were called to a wildlife park after intruders broke into the site and attempted to get to the animals.

Police responded to the incident at Hemsley Conservation Centre in Fairseat, near Meopham, last night.

Bosses at the centre called emergency services after its security system was triggered just before 11pm.

As well as firearms officers, the police helicopter also attended alongside a dog unit and drone.

It is understood the intruders were not located, with investigations ongoing.

A statement from the centre on social media read: "Last night at approximately 10.45pm, our security system alerted us that we had intruders in the zoo trying to gain access to some enclosures.

"Our senior management and Kent Police were on site within minutes with a fleet of officers, a dog unit, drone, helicopter and firearms.

"All of our animals are safe and accounted for, and all of our buildings and enclosures are OK.

"We will be open as usual today.

"If this message filters through to the intruders, know that you will be dealt with the full force of the above.

"Kent Police were outstanding and we'd like to thank them for their response and support."

The centre, run by former Gravesend Grammar School pupil Adam Hemsley, recently welcomed a rare species of porcupine.

It shot to international fame in 2019 after running a Valentine's Day promotion to name a cockroach after an ex-girlfriend or boyfriend.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called at around 10.45pm on Saturday March 25 to a report of a suspected burglary at an animal conservation centre in Gravesend Road, Wrotham.

"Officers attended the scene along with the police helicopter and a police dog. Patrols also deployed a drone and, following a search of area, the animals at the site were found to be safe and no suspects were located."