Police and lifeboat crews scrambled a creek last night after a man threatened to self-harm.

Gravesend RNLI was called to the Dartford Creek barrier just before midnight yesterday while police helicopters and marine units joined the hunt.

The man has now been found and is believed to be in custody.

An RNLI spokesman said: "The lifeboat was tasked yesterday at 11.59pm to the report of a person threatening self-harm in the vicinity of Dartford Creek barrier.

"The lifeboat arrived on scene joining The Met Marine Police Unit. It was ascertained that due to lack of water the vessels would be unable to get to the barrier. Shore side police and a police helicopter were approaching the area and would conduct the search.

"The lifeboat was then asked to conduct a shore side search in the area of Littlebrook power station. Whilst searching the lifeboat was informed that the person had been found and had been taken into police custody.

"With this information the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station."

The Dartford Creek barrier is in the area where The Thames meets the River Darent.