ARMED police cordoned off a road after a mental health patient locked himself in his Gravesend house on Sunday.

The 17-year-old shut himself away for four hours in his Elliott Street home before giving himself up.

He had been voluntarily staying at a local hospital but was reported missing at about 11.30am.

He was initially taken into police custody and is now receiving treatment.

Ch Insp Mark Harrison said: "Our aim was to minimise disruption to the local community and ensure the safety of the young man.

"I am sure the large police presence will have had an impact on some residents. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to them for their cooperation. Everyone was very helpful and very patient.

"I hope residents will understand that when we are dealing with an incident like this we must be prepared for any eventuality and by having the correct resources in place it allowed us to resolve the incident peacefully and without anyone coming to any harm."