A man has been charged with a firearm offence after a five-hour hunt by armed police in Chatham on Thursday, December 17.

Officers received reports a man was allegedly seen with a suspected firearm on a busy high street, at about 10.40am.

Police were told a man had been seen in possession of a suspected firearm at a premises in the street.

The man later left the building and the police helicopter and armed officers were called in to help search for him.

Later the same afternoon, police said they had arrested a 35-year-old man from Strood, in connection with the incident and he was taken into custody.

This morning (Saturday), a police spokesman confirmed the man had now been charged with two offences.

He added: "Nicholas Noble, 35, of Station Road, Strood, has been charged with possessing an offensive weapon and possession of a firearm.

"He was remanded to appear at Medway Magistrates Court."