A BODY of a man was pulled from the River Medway close to Tonbridge Fire Station early this morning.

The man is thought to have been aged about 40. The emergency services were called to Postern Lane at around 7am by a member of the public.

The area was immediately cordoned off and firefighters from Larkfield were called in to assist with the recovery of the body.

They launched their inflatable boat from the back of Tonbridge swimming pool and sailed down the river to the scene. The body was lifted out of the water in a cradle.

The operation lasted about two hours and caused rush hour traffic delays in Cannon Lane and Vale Road.

A post mortem examination is expected to be carried out and an inquest opened and adjourned.