Armed police were called to a street in Chatham after reports a man had been seen with a weapon.

They were spotted in Luton Road, near the McColl's newsagents, at around 3.35pm.

Eye witnesses said at least six police vehicles were present, including armed officers who came out of an unmarked red van, while a police helicopter was seen circling above.

One said armed officers were shouting towards a house, which appeared to have been turned into flats.

"They were shouting for them to come out, they were there for about two hours," the witness told KentOnline.

"Four people came out.

"They were put in the back of a BMW and handcuffed."

A police spokesman said the incident involved: "A report of a man with a possible weapon seen partly concealed in his clothing".

"No threats had been made.

"Officers attended Luton Road where they conducted a thorough search and spoke to a number of people.

"No weapons were found and no offences were identified."