A pub which closed is being investigated over animal welfare concerns, it has been confirmed.

Officers from Maidstone council along with police were called to The Bull Inn at East Farleigh last Thursday as part of an ongoing probe.

It follows calls from concerned neighbours, first logged in the summer.

The pub, which was home to a petting zoo with ponies, goats, ducks, rabbits and more, is understood to have been closed for several weeks.

Neighbours were in the dark as to why it stopped trading and a sign outside was still advertising a free buffet to watch the Queen's funeral, back in September.

A council spokesman said: “On November 17, our animal licensing inspector and other officers from the community protection team attended a property in East Farleigh in connection with an ongoing animal welfare investigation.

"The team were supported by officers from Kent Police."

The council confirmed the only animals at the Lower Road pub at the time of the visit were fish in a pond.

Their welfare, such as the water quality, were checked.

The investigation is ongoing.

KentOnline has attempted to contact the pub's owners for comment.