A large-scale search was sparked after a man was seen reportedly holding a weapon.

Armed police were called to the Pelham Road area of Gravesend early this morning following the concerning reports.

The fire service also attended the scene, and deployed a drone above the Beefeater restaurant in nearby Wrotham Road to aid in the search.

While officers searched for around three hours after being called at 6am, it is believed the man had left prior to their arrival.

The nature of the weapon he was carrying is not yet known.

A police spokesman said: “We were called at 6am to a report that a man had seen walking in Pelham Road, Gravesend holding a weapon.

“Patrols attended the scene and completed a search but the man had left prior to their arrival.

“Inquiries are underway into the circumstances.”

A fire service spokesman added: “We were asked to assist Kent Police with an incident, [which involved] flying its drone in the Beefeater, Wrotham Road Gravesend, area.”