A 65-year-old man arrested following a mass evacuation after suspicious materials were discovered in an empty flat has been released pending further investigation.

Four streets in Ramsgate were evacuated as bomb disposal experts were scrambled following the find in Charlotte Court shortly before 3.30pm on Monday.

A cordon was set up and remained in place for more than 12 hours.

Properties along the road, as well as in Harbour Street, York Street and Queen Street, were evacuated.

A Ministry of Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team led the operation, and is thought to have used a specialist robot to investigate the suspicious substance.

As the drama continued throughout the evening Ramsgate Leisure Centre was set up as an emergency centre for residents.

The roads were eventually reopened at 4.20am the following morning after bomb disposal crews found the items posed no risk, although police remained at the flat at 8am.

Inspector Amy Pearson said: "Public safety is paramount to Kent Police and I would like to thank the public for the understanding and patience they have showed while our officers have worked with our partner agencies to ensure this situation has been dealt with in the safest way."

A 65-year-old man was arrested in Crawley, West Sussex, on suspicion of making or knowingly having control of explosives in suspicious circumstances. He has been released pending further investigation.