A helicopter was called in last night over reports somebody had fallen in the River Medway.

Police and fire crews were seen searching for a person in the water as a coastguard chopper hovered above.

They were called to Canal Road in Strood at 7.40pm.

A fire service spokesman said: “We were called following a report of a person in the water.

“Three fire engines and the service water rescue unit attended.

“Officers from Kent Police and the Coastguard was also in attendance, however, no persons were found.”

Crews left the scene at 9.31pm.

A resident in St Mary's Island, Chatham, said he saw the helicopter and tracked it online. It had taken off from Lydd Airport.

Adam Bardoe said: "What’s going on in Rochester over the river this evening? Helicopter hovering for ages."

Another witness said it is thought someone may have been in the water near Rochester Bridge.

He said he saw the RNLI lifeboat team, the Lydd coastguard helicopter and Kent Fire and Rescue at the scene just after 8pm.

The emergency services have been contacted for comment.