A community has been left in shock after an armed stand-off with police.

More than 20 police officers descended on Noreen Avenue, Minster, at 4.30pm yesterday (Wednesday) after receiving reports a man was holding two people hostage in a flat.

A 90-minute stand-off followed with officers from Kent Police’s armed response unit.

The man then surrendered to police and was brought out, handcuffed, and taken away by officers in a police van.

It is believed there was a knife involved in the incident.

Police confirmed they responded to reports of a man holding a man and a woman against their will.

A spokesman said: "A number of officers attended and negotiated with the man, who subsequently surrendered.

"No-one was injured during the incident."

Noreen Avenue was sealed off, and residents were not allowed near the scene.

Witnesses said police were seen changing into their riot gear in the car park of the Harps Inn.

Harps Avenue was also blocked off during the siege.

Barry Barrett, who lives in Noreen Avenue, said: "When I looked up and down there were police cars at the top and bottom of the road, police were swarming everywhere.

"When we saw the armed police we were waiting for shots to go off, we thought somebody would be shot.

"The police ram-raided the flat and got him out quite quickly.

"It was like something from a film."

Mr Barrett said the whole experience was very unnerving and uncomfortable, and because it happened so close to his home, has made him worry about what might happen in the future.

A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill. He is currently in police custody.