SHARP-EYED door staff prevented a gun being taken into a Kent nightclub.

Police officers were called to the 1,300 capacity ikon club in Maidstone's Lockmeadow complex and five arrests were made. One man was charged with firearms and drugs offences.

Ch Insp Ian Hall, of Mid Kent Police, praised the “diligence, expertise, level of training and professionalism” of the door staff in dealing with what could have potentially become a serious incident.

Mr Hall stressed; “I think the public can take comfort from the fact that there are people working on their behalf to allow them to enjoy their nights out in safety.”

Mr Hall said police had been aware of the existence of guns disguised as other objects, such as torches, for some time, but had never seen one before in the Maidstone area.

Mr Hall said: “We know these things are about, but this is the first time we have come across one. The door staff has done extremely well. We hope it sends out a clear message that if people try to bring these things into Maidstone it will be dealt with.”

A clubber, who was at ikon that night, Saturday, April 22, but who did not wish to be named, told the Kent Messenger: “It’s really scary when you see police in great numbers when you go into town. It’s nice to know they are there to protect you, but you are always wondering what is going on.”

Police made a total of five arrests in connection with the incident. A 20-year-old Maidstone man, a 30-year-old Maidstone woman, a 23-year-old man of no fixed abode and a 25-year-old London man, were all arrested on suspicion of firearms offences.

They have been bailed pending further inquiries.

Marlon Manning, 30, of St Peter’s Street, Maidstone, was charged with the following offences: Possession of heroin, possession of a firearm when prohibited for life, possession of ammunition, possession of a firearm without a certificate, purchasing a weapon for discharge of noxious liquid.

He has appeared before magistrates in Maidstone and remanded in custody.