The stars of the popular crime drama Silent Witness have been spotted filming in Kent.

A BBC crew is on the Isle of Sheppey this week shooting scenes for a new series of the long-running show starring Emilia Fox and David Caves.

Most of the filming has been centred around a detached house on the seafront at The Leas, Minster.

On Monday the pair, who play forensics pathology experts Dr Nikki Alexander and Jack Hodgson, were filmed arriving, getting out of a car and walking into the house.

Cyclist John Gill, from Minster, stumbled across the filming on Monday. He said: "It's not every day I go out for a cycle ride and bump into Nikki and Jack from Silent Witness."

On Monday night, star-struck neighbours watched as blue flashing lights lit up the darkness as police and ambulance vehicles arrived on the scene as part of the action.

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "I haven't seen so many walkers on The Leas for years. Lots of people have been popping down to have a look to see what is going on."

Another piped up: "I saw them bringing out a body bag! At one time there must have been hundreds watching. I don't think the new public toilets on the cliffs have ever been so busy."

She added: "Every so often we hear them shout 'Rolling, quiet please' and we keep silent."

On Tuesday the windows at the front of the house were covered in black drapes as night scenes were filmed inside in broad daylight. It is understood the home owners have moved out to a nearby hotel while the film crew has taken over the house.

Production manager Anne-Marie Kassar confirmed the 100-strong cast and crew were shooting scenes for the 26th series of the popular crime show.

Speaking at The Leas she said: "I can't reveal the plot but the story is based on a fictional seaside town and Sheppey fits the location perfectly. It has beautiful views and everyone has been so friendly and welcoming."

It is likely to be shown on BBC1 early next year.

All neighbours received a letter detailing dates of shooting. The next main scenes were due to take place today (Wednesday) from 11am to 9pm and tomorrow (Thursday). The final scenes in the house are due to be shot next Tuesday (Oct 18) with police vehicles.

The production team has taken over the car park outside the Little Oyster care home for its technical vehicles. A spokesman said: "We appreciate that we are working in a residential area so we will endeavour to keep all noise and disruption to an absolute minimum."

It is understood scenes will also be filmed at Warden Bay and Leysdown during the two-week shoot. The crew have set up a base at Sheppey Rugby Club on the Lower Road at Minster.

In other movie news, production company Stinger UK is taking over the Kingsferry bridge to shoot scenes for a "large US feature film" at the end of the month.

Location manager Patrick Brown has warned that the lift bridge will be closed from 4am on Saturday, October 29 to 10pm on Sunday, October 30, weather permitting. The Sheppey Crossing will remain open. There will be no train services to Sheerness on the Sunday.

The bridge's most recent starring role was in ITV's drama Too Close in April last year when a car was driven off the road during a dramatic £100,000 night stunt and plunged into the Swale.