Armed police have left a house empty handed after a stand off lasting more than five hours.

Lunsford Lane in Larkfield was sealed off throughout this morning as police surrounded a property at around 8am.

After a five-and-a-half hour siege, which included several police approaches toward the house behind shields, police entered the property at around 1.30pm.

Around 10 minutes later, officers were seen leaving the property - without a suspect.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: "At 6.47am Kent Police received a report of a disturbance in Larkspur Road, East Malling. It is alleged a man entered an address and was in possession of what may have been a firearm.

"He is said to have behaved in a threatening manner towards another man, before leaving the property. It is believed the victim and the suspect are known to each other.

"Officers subsequently attended an address in the Lunsford Lane area as part of their enquiries to locate the suspect. At this stage no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident."

During the stand off neighbours speculated a man was in the house after an alleged armed robbery.

Dani Jesshope was visiting a friend who lives in the area, she said: "I woke up this morning and it was rammed. Police were shouting a lot more and they were saying 'armed police, show yourself'."

Shortly after the lunchtime raid, police lifted the cordon on Lunsford Lane and parked their cars on nearby pavements and a bus stop.

Three police cars previously stationed at Larkspur Road have also moved on.

Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 07-0185. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555 111.