Part of a historic city centre was closed off by UK police last night after a suspect package was found near a railway line.

Trains were stopped in Canterbury, Kent, and a number of roads closed after a member of the public reported the package in Old Dover Road just after 4.20 p.m.

Kent Police said they were also dealing with a second incident where a small fire had been discovered in a Marks and Spencer stores in St George’s Street. Late yesterday it was still not known what caused the fire and officers remained at the scene, which was attended by firefighters.

A police spokesman 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.” St George’s Street and part of Old Dover Road were closed while the bus station, Rose Square and the Marlowe Arcade have been evacuated, she added. The police spokesman said officers from British Transport Police (BTP) were also in attendance along with Army bomb disposal experts.

Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Hogben said: “Kent Police and our partners are dealing with a serious incident which I appreciate is causing some disruption to local residents... At the moment we cannot formally connect the two incidents.”

Investigations were continuing into the fire at Marks and Spencer, which was being treated as suspicious. Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called at 5.10 p.m. after staff discovered a small fire in the baby changing area on the second floor.

It was quickly put out and the store was evacuated.

There were no reported injuries at either incident.