Police, fire, ambulance and coastguard searched a stretch of the River Medway after receiving reports a body had been spotted in the water.

The drama began around 3.20pm when a convoy of emergency vehicles swept into the Rochester Riverside development.

It is understood a member of the public had reported seeing something in the water - possibly a body.

Lifeboat and fire service vessels were spotted going up and down a section of the river opposite Medway City Estate.

A Coastguard spokesman said at the time: “We were made aware of an object in waters at the River Medway near Rats Bay.

“Rescue teams from Medway and Sheppey were called, alongside Kent Fire and Rescue Service, South East Coast Ambulance Service and Sheerness lifeboat. The incident is ongoing.”

However, shortly before 4pm the crews left the scene - only the RNLI Lifeboat boat remained - and headed to Riverside Gardens in Chatham near the library and Command House pub.

A drone was used to scan the area.

Police have been contacted for further information but confirmed officers are working alongside the coastguard relating to an incident with operations focussed in Riverside Gardens.

A fire service spokesperson said crews in two fire engines along with a water safety unit team were called to reports of a person in the river to help coastguard colleagues.

They left the scene shortly after 5pm but no further details about the incident have been confirmed.

An eyewitness told KentOnline: “There were about a dozen emergency vehicles in the Command House car park, including Coastguard, police, ambulance, and fire crews.

“Most responders were sitting in their vehicles or standing around being briefed - it didn’t look like they were in much of a hurry. I spotted a couple of armed response officers standing among them.

“Police weren’t allowing passersby to get close to the pub or the emergency crews, explaining that a drone was in operation.

“Looking up, I saw it hovering over the riverbank, making a snapping sound like a camera shutter. Further down the river, I spotted a manned search and rescue boat moving along.

“The crew appeared to be inspecting boats docked near Sun Pier, close to B&M.”

The incident comes just a week after a man’s body was found nearby, close to the Boat House pub in Strood.