The A2 was closed and armed police surrounded a taxi after one of the passengers was allegedly spotted with a gun.

Eye witnesses report at least half a dozen armed officers surrounded the Volkswagen minivan after four police vehicles brought it to a stop near the Ebbsfleet turnoff.

The road was closed as the drama unfolded on the London bound carriageway just before 6pm.

A spokeswoman for Kent Police said: "Three men arrested on suspicion of firearms offences have been released without charge.

"They were arrested by Kent Police, on behalf of Essex Police, shortly after 6pm on Tuesday, August 23 on the A2 London-bound.

"Officers stopped a taxi near the Ebbsfleet turnoff following a report that one of the occupants had earlier been seen in possession of a firearm. Officers arrested three passengers in the taxi on suspicion of firearms offences.

"Officers are also currently in the Woodlands Park area of the town to search a vehicle believed to be linked to the incident.

"There is no risk to the wider public and enquiries are ongoing."

Drivers on the A2 were told to expect delays of at least half an hour, but two lanes were opened within 45 minutes of the arrests.