A man has appeared in court accused of going on a rampage with a knife near a group of children.

Antony Carr, of York Road, appeared before Maidstone Magistrates’ Court this morning charged with intentionally trying to cause grievous bodily harm and affray.

The 27-year-old is also charged with possessing a blade in a public place, using violence to secure entry to a property, criminal damage and two breaches of a molestation order.

It follows an incident in Shepway on Monday evening where witnesses claimed a man was seen running and flashing a knife at a group of children, telling them to ‘get out of the way.’

Timothy Raymen, of Mangravet, says his partner’s 11-year-old daughter was one of the youngsters involved.

He said: “She saw someone coming and hid in a bush so he wouldn’t see her.

“She told me he had a knife and that he was threatening to slice his chest and leg.”

It is claimed an officer was threatened during the incident, which happened in Northumberland Road and Cumberland Avenue.

A police chase took place through alleyways.

Phil Semders, of Cambridge Crescent, said his 11-year-old son was caught up in the chaos.

“He is absolutely traumatised by what happened. That night he slept downstairs with me because he was afraid of the dark. He’s never been like that,” he said.

During the drama an air ambulance landed on a nearby field due to concerns of potential injuries, but it was not needed.

Carr is due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court, to answer the charges, on Friday, July 18.