The police helicopter and armed officers were called out to help search for a suspected gunman in Canterbury.

Emergency services were called at around 11pm last night after a man was reportedly spotted with a handgun in Green House Lane.

Firearms teams and search dogs descended, and the chopper was called to help with the hunt.

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a fake gun.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called at 11.01pm on Sunday 11 September following a report that a man had been seen with what appeared to be a handgun in Green House Lane, Canterbury.

"To ensure public safety, authority was given for firearms officers to attend.

"Police search dogs and the police helicopter also assisted. No injuries were reported.

"Officers arrested a 21-year-old man on suspicion of possessing an imitation firearm. He remains in custody."

People took to social media to report the presence of the helicopter above their homes, with some saying it had set off car alarms.