A man has been arrested after several roads were evacuated when suspicious materials were found in a flat.

Three streets in Ramsgate were closed after bomb disposal experts were called to examine the items found in a vacated apartment in Charlotte Court in Ramsgate, shortly after police were called at 3.26pm yesterday.

The area was evacuated along with Harbour Street, York Street and Queen Street while Ministry of Defence teams examined the materials.

Ramsgate Leisure Centre was set up as an emergency centre for residents.

The roads were reopened at 4.20am this morning after bomb disposal crews found the items posed no risk, although police remain at the flat.

A 65-year-old was arrested in Crawley, West Sussex on suspicion of making or knowingly having control of explosives in suspicious circumstances. He remains in custody.

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."