A man has been arrested following allegations a woman was raped.

Forensic officers and several emergency vehicles were at the scene of a “police incident” in the Marlborough Road area of Gillingham this morning (July 18).

The bottom of Marlborough Road was cordoned off by the force near the Falcon Cafe in both directions and the surrounding streets were also shut.

A police spokeswoman has since confirmed officers were called at around 5.45am to reports a woman had been raped.

A man has been arrested and inquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.

Witnesses reported seeing a large police presence at the Great Lines Heritage Park – saying it looked “serious”.

A resident, who lives near the Falcon Cafe, said she first knew something was happening when she dropped her daughter off for work at around 5.45am.

Later, Lilly, who did not wish to give her surname, went to walk her dogs and said she saw two police officers in the park.

She added: “I went home, thought nothing more of it and got on with my morning.

“Around 7.45am, I spotted the police tape from my living room window and went outside. I saw all the taped-off areas and the police vehicle right outside Falcon Cafe.”

Brompton Academy principal Dan Walters also sent a letter to parents. It read: “The academy has just been informed the bottom of Marlborough Road is closed due to a police incident.

“Please take care travelling this morning and adjust your journey times if possible. Please ask your child to travel safely and avoid the area.

“Senior staff will be available in the community this morning for support as usual.”

It is understood there was no access to Marlborough Road from Brompton Road and the High Street but it was from Canterbury Street and Stafford Street earlier.

The road was open at the end near Medway Maritime Hospital.

As of 10.40am, residents said police had left the scene and the surrounding roads were reopened.

Police are keen to talk to anyone who was in the area between midnight and 6am.

Anyone with dashcam footage and residents with private CCTV or doorbell footage, who have not yet spoken to officers are urged to get in touch.

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01634 792209 quoting reference 18-0140. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete their online form.