A suspected rapist has appeared in court after being arrested by armed police in a busy town centre street.

Officers descended on Folkestone shortly after 3pm on Friday after reports of a rape at a property in Tontine Street.

Armed police arrest suspect in Folkestone on Friday afternoon

People watched from homes and workplaces as a suspect was taken into custody.

An imitation pistol was found in a search of a nearby car, and Richard Scaife, of Camden Crescent, Dover, has been charged with two counts of rape and possession of a firearm while committing an offence.

One eyewitness who saw the arrest said: "I heard loads of screaming and shouting before looking out the window to see a unit of armed police pointing their weapons and tasers at the individual in the brown coat.

"Shortly after another two units of armed officers arrived as support.

"They then went on to search the individual and used evidence bags to put some belongings taken off of him into.

"I also saw what looked like officers in the building opposite, possibly searching the building or using it as a visual point."

The 46-year-old suspect today appeared at Folkestone Magistrates' Court, where he was remanded in custody.

The case will next be heard at Canterbury Crown Court on December 6.

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