You could have been forgiven for fearing the worst after what appeared to be a search of the River Medway in Maidstone today.

Fire service personnel, including search and rescue divers, were spotted next to Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre, in Barker Road, at around 10am.

But the emergency services have explained there was no special investigation under way, simply a water rescue training exercise.

Around 20 firefighters, officers, and volunteers from Kent Search and Rescue (KSAR) were involved in the session, from 10am until 1pm.

There were also two fire engines at the scene.

The crews used an inflatable boat, as well as reach and rescue poles, to practice "standard training and rescue scenarios".

In a statement, Kent Fire and Rescue Service said it regularly carried out "standard water rescue training exercises around the county".

It added: "This ensures the fire service is prepared for a number of different rescue scenarios, including rescuing casualties from water."

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone