STREETS close to a town centre were cordoned off as armed police officers swooped on flats following a suspected robbery.

Police with automatic rifles surrounded the flats in James Street, Gillingham, at about 8am on Thursday.

Many streets near the flats were cordoned off, including James Street, Saunders Street, Skinner Street and Arden Street.

A police helicopter monitored the situation, flying low over the area.

Between 30 to 40 people who were unable to reach their homes because of the police cordon, were given shelter at the Sunlight Centre, Richmond Road.

Peter Holbrook, from the centre, said: “We have been bringing them out of the rain giving them a cup of tea and letting them use the telephones to reassure family members."

A Kent Police spokesman said: "At about 9.20am Kent Police arrested a man on suspicion of robbery and later searched a flat in James Street.

"Officers then returned to the area after receiving further information about two people they want to talk to in connection with a series of local shop robberies. Enquiries are still on-going."

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