A man who was arrested last night after reports he was seen with a firearm in Dover has since been released.

Kent Police confirmed he was released following an investigation that revealed no offences had occurred.

Officers were called at 4.20pm to a report that a man was seen holding a firearm in Folkestone Road, Dover.

Police immediately contained the area for public safety and closed the road, and an alley close to W G Hall, a late night shop, was sealed off as well as the passage behind the premises which runs between Malvern Road and Belgrave Road.

Sam Lennon, who lives nearby, was at the scene at 6.40pm.

He said: "I could see a dog van and three to four police cars and that the alley was sealed off. There was clusters of people standing and watching.

"By 7.10pm the area was re-opened."

The man was released when it was revealed he had been carrying an air pistol legitimately and there had been no threatening behaviour.