A police helicopter and dog unit responded to a report of sexual assualt only to discover it was a hoax.

Police are now investigating after a fake report was made to them at around 6.40pm yesterday.

Officers, including a police dog squad and the force's helicopter, were sent to Lenham, near Maidstone.

However, after making inquiries it was established the call had been a hoax.

Inspector Steve Kent, of the Maidstone Community Safety Unit, said: "Making hoax calls to the emergency services puts others at risk who genuinely need assistance by diverting resources away from incidents where life is in danger or a crime is being committed.

"Making a false report is a serious matter and can constitute a criminal offence.

"Kent Police records all the calls to the Force Control Room and this can be used as evidence in court."