A man has been taken to hospital after being shot with a Taser today as he refused to hand over a weapon to police.

Armed response officers were called to Maidstone Road, Wigmore, at about 5.25am after receiving reports that a man was seen walking about brandishing a gun.

Officers searched the area and found the 28-year-old suspect but he would not put down the weapon, thought to be an imitation firearm.

A spokesman for Medway police said: “As a result, officers at the scene discharged Taser and struck the man.

“He has been taken to hospital as a precaution but is not thought to be seriously injured.

One man who saw the area sealed off, but did not want to be named, said: “The scene of the incident remains cordoned off while officers carry out an investigation.

“Residents including children were given police escorts past the scene as they made their way to school and traffic was diverted around Georgian Way.

“About a dozen homes were sealed off during the incident.”

Officers are waiting for the man to receive treatment before arresting anyone in connection with the matter.