Armed police who arrested two people after surrounding a home in Gillingham have now released them while they carry out an investigation.

Officers were called to a house in Marlborough Road, after it was alleged a man inside had a gun.

Roads in the area were closed while officers dealt with the incident which went on for about four hours, around 7.30pm on Thursday evening.

At about 11.30pm armed police arrested two teenagers who were taken into custody, and despite extensive searches of the area a gun was not found.

One is 19 year-old man from Chingford, and the other is a man from Chatham of the same age.

The incident sparked an array of comments on social networking site, Facebook.

Tracey Coyd, said: “I heard there is a bloke in a flat with a gun, no idea if that’s correct.”

Phil Crittenden, lives near the scene and was leaving his home to pick his wife up when he was told to go back inside.

He added: “I live opposite in Beacon Gate, armed police were moving in on the flat and arrested a guy and were searching the place and sent dogs in.”

Tracey Nolan added: “Just came up Marlborough and had to turn into Stopford Road because its all cornered off with police right up to hospital entrance.”

Earlier today the spokesman confirmed the pair had been released from police custody pending further inquiries until Monday, December 1.