A suspected wartime shell which was fished from a Dartford river vanished before police arrived to collect it.

The historic device was found by a someone fishing near Overy Street yesterday and left on a nearby wall at around 5.40pm.

Before police arrived ten minutes later, it had disappeared. Despite an extensive search of the scene, officers were unable to locate it.

After viewing a video, explosive experts came to believe the item, which is around a metre long and has a cylindrical shape, may be a wartime shell.

Kent Police Inspector Shona Lowndes said: "Explosive experts have not yet had the opportunity to inspect and assess whether this item is harmless or poses any dangers.

"We cannot discount that someone may have picked it up and perhaps taken it home or left it somewhere else.

"Anyone who has had contact with this item, or knows of its whereabouts, is urged to contact police immediately."

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 101, quoting reference 22-0969.