A man is being questioned by police on suspicion of having an imitation firearm and making threats to kill after an incident in Maidstone today.

Police were called to a property in Kingsley Road, Maidstone, at 11.30am following reports of a dispute with what was thought to involve a firearm.

Nearby Waterloo Street was then closed off and another cordon was placed around Kingsley Road.

Residents were asked to stay indoors.

A neighbour said: “I saw two policemen in riot gear going into a house in Melville Road, which runs parallel to Kingsley Road, at about 2pm.

“Everyone was looking to try and see what was happening. I have never seen so many police in my life.

“I asked a policeman and he said he wasn’t allowed to say but it is serious.”

Two firearms officers were seen on the corner of Kingsley Road and Melville Road.

Three other armed officers were seen leaving the cordoned area just after 3pm when water bottles were delivered to colleagues standing in the sun.

A dog patrol car was also at the scene.

At 3.35pm, a car with blankets covering the windows was seen reversing into Melville Road.

The car then drove away and 15 minutes later, armed officers left the scene. The cordon was dropped at 4.05pm.

Police have said they have now arrested a 39-year-old man who is being questioned at Maidstone Police Station.

Police Community Support Officers will patrol the area this evening and speak to residents to reassure them.