by Lynn Cox

A gunman who caused police to close parts of a town centre after he was allegedly seen carrying a weapon was, in fact, carrying a lighter in the shape of a gun.

Parts of Strood town centre were shut by police on Sunday afternoon after people called police telling them that they could see a man carrying a firearm.

Firearm officers were sent to the scene in Strood High Street at about 1.20pm and promptly diverted traffic and pedestrians away from the area.
Police closed off London Road at the junction with Gun Lane and Woodstock Road and Northcote Road at the junction with Darnley Road.

A 32-year-old man from the Strood area was arrested and was taken to Medway police station for questioning, but was later released without charge.
The roads were reopened at about 4pm.

Detective Sergeant Paul Fewtrell said: "A 32-year-old man who was arrested yesterday has been released without charge.

"Kent Police has an obligation to investigate any allegations of firearms on the streets of Kent.

"It is important for members of the public to remember that anything that may look like a gun is of concern and officers will act accordingly.

"Any personal items which have been manufactured to look like a real weapon (for example a cigarette lighter or toy), should be taken home safely and only used for the purpose for which they are intended."