Police are continuing their hunt for a man who made off from the scene of a firearms incident in Chatham on Saturday.

Officers were called to the Swift Crescent and Defiant Close area of Chatham shortly after 2pm after reports of a man with a firearm.

Residents watched as armed police, dogs and a helicopter flying overhead surrounded one house in Defiant Close.

Roads in the area were closed and residents and the public were advised to avoid the area while the incident was ongoing.

Police conducted a full search of the area, and roads reopened shortly afterwards as officers widened their search.

A spokesman for Kent Police said that while the incident did not seem to suggest any specific threat to the public, as those involved appear to have known each other, the force wanted to ensure the offender was captured at the earliest opportunity.

Police urged the man to hand himself in to the nearest police station.

Chief Inspector Iain Mackenzie said: "We want to thank the public and local residents in Chatham for their patience while we dealt with this incident.

"I would like to reassure people that we are actively searching for a man at this time but we do not believe there is a specific threat to the general public.

"If anyone has any concerns, then please speak with the local neighbour-
hood officers who will be patrolling the area or call Kent Police on 101."

Anyone who has any information about this incident should call 101 quoting reference 04-0860.