Bomb disposal experts have been called in after a large swathe of Tunbridge Wells town centre was placed in lockdown in a security alert.
A cordon was put in place at shortly before 9.30am following reports the suspect package - thought to be a suitcase - had been found in the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre.
About 150 people are believed to have been cleared from the area.
The Ministry of Defence has sent an explosive ordnance disposal team to the scene.
Michael Arnold, 77, told Kent Live: "There was a suitcase and a walking stick outside Barclay's bank, by the phone box.
"Someone else saw it first but it was at about 10am.
"A man was walking up and down too. It could be nothing but it does look suspicious.
"All the shops have been evacuated and the precinct has been evacuated too, and taped off."
A spokesman for Kent Police said: "We are at the scene carrying out enquiries and a cordon has been set up as a precaution.
"The Royal Victoria Place shopping centre and also Calverley precinct are currently closed and have been evacuated. Shoppers and residents are advised to avoid the area and also expect disruption to some bus routes.
"As well as the precinct, road closures are also affecting Grosvenor Road, Monson Road, Dudley Road and Newton Road.
"A Ministry of Defence's explosive ordnance disposal team is on the way to the scene and liaising with police."
