A man has been taken into an ambulance after a shopping centre was evacuated.

For the second time this week, shoppers were being turned away from The Mall, Maidstone amid reports of concern for a man's welfare.

Doors were locked at the Gabriel's Hill entrance for Wilkos and at the High Street entrance.

Stores inside were locked down and cars are being turned away from The Mall car park next to Maidstone bus station.

A police spokesman said: "We were called at 11.45am due to concern for the welfare of a distressed man at The Mall shopping centre in Maidstone.

"Officers are currently in attendance."

Officers passed a man into the care of Secamb paramedics outside Boots shortly after 1pm.

Doors to the shopping centre's main entrance have now reopened.

Boots and Pizza Hut have remained open during the evacuation as they have entrances outside The Mall.

Staff were locked in their shops and shoppers evacuated on Thursday following reports of a distressed man.
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