Three men arrested on suspicion of firearms offences have been released without charge.

They were arrested by Kent Police, on behalf of Essex Police, shortly after 6pm yesterday on the A2 London-bound.

Officers stopped a taxi near the Ebbsfleet turnoff after a report that one of the occupants had earlier been seen with a firearm.

Officers arrested three passengers in the taxi on suspicion of firearms offences.

Eye witnesses reported at least half a dozen armed officers surrounded the Volkswagen minivan after four police vehicles brought it to a stop near the Ebbsfleet turnoff.

Officers also searched the Woodlands Park area in Gravesend.