Police evacuated high street businesses after a wartime shell was handed in at a charity shop.

Officers were called to Sevenoaks High Street at around 10.45am - the scene of another bomb scare in 2016.

A cordon was put in place and the Santander bank and nearby shops were evacuated.

A spokesman said: "Following an analysis of the device, it was found that the item is not a threat to the public.

"The cordon has been stood down and staff have been allowed to return to their shops."

Police tweeted earlier: "We have been dealing with an incident in High Street, Sevenoaks this morning.

"There is no need to be concerned, further details will be provided shortly. We expect to be be away from the area shortly."

The police activity mirrors scenes from February 2016, when businessman Reginald Esqualant caused panic after placing a fake bomb at the bank.

He was convicted of blackmail and jailed for three years and four months in December that year.