AN ARMED response unit was sent out after a driver was threatened with what appeared to be a handgun.

The driver, a 25-year-old student, was driving along Benover Road, Yalding, at 5pm yesterday when a metallic blue Fiat Punto drove up close behind him.

He told police he put on his hazard lights and tried to pull over to let the car pass. As he did so the vehicle pulled alongside him and its driver pointed what appeared to be a large handgun or pistol in his face.

The gun-wielding youth, thought to be about 18, then pulled directly in front of the 25-year-old at an angle, blocking off the main road near the junction with Forge Lane, near the Woolpack Pub.

The victim escaped down Forge Lane and called 999.

An armed response team was sent out to track down the gunman's car which was stopped in Marden. Police say pellets were found. One man from Marden was arrested.

Anyone who saw the W-registered Fiat Punto is asked to contact Det Insp Vicki Withnall on 01622 604271.

* Under Section 16 of the Firearms Act 1968 it is illegal to carry a gun, or imitation weapon, with the intent to threaten or endanger life. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment.

Victim tells of gunpoint ordeal - see this week's Kent Messenger.