Suspect package and fire shut down Canterbury

Parts of Canterbury city centre were closed off by police last night after a suspect package was found near a railway line and a fire broke out nearby.

Trains were stopped in the city and a number of roads closed after a member of the public reported the package in Old Dover Road just after 4.20pm.

Kent Police said they were also dealing with a small fire found by staff in a baby changing area in a Marks & Spencer store in St George's Street. The fire was put out. Its cause was unknown and officers were at the scene with firefighters.

A police spokeswoman said: "At the present time we are unable to say whether the incidents are linked. There have been no reported injuries.

"People are advised to avoid the city centre and drivers are asked to seek alternative routes."