One of Maidstone's biggest restaurants has closed its doors and isn't expected to reopen "for at least five months".

Workers have been spotted at Buddha Belly on the corner of Pudding Lane and the High Street.

They have been taking down the signage for the all-you-can-eat restaurant.

One of the workmen told KentOnline's sister paper the Kent Messenger they were renovating the eatery and that works could take up to five months to complete.

Ilsa Butler from town centre team One Maidstone said: "I understand the restaurant is having a revamp following a change of hands."

It's believed it will reopen as a bar and restaurant.

Last month immigration officers raided the restaurant and arrested two Bangladeshi men, one of whom absconded while being taken into custody.

A Home Office spokesman today confirmed that they were still searching for this man, stating: "The Home Office continues to work closely with the police to ensure the man is returned to custody."

KentOnline tried to approach the restaurant for comment, but nobody was available.