A man arrested on suspicion of firearms offences after armed police surrounded a house in Hoo on Monday has been released on bail.

The man aged in his 50s was taken into custody at 7.40pm, about 40 minutes after negotiators were called in to the house in Brookside.

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Just before 4.30pm officers cordoned off nearby roads and several homes were evacuated, following reports of man in possession of a gun.

Emergency services set up a base of operations at Hoo Primary School.

Speaking that evening, eyewitness Steven Harper, of Main Road, Hoo, said: "People have been told to keep their doors shut and stay inside, but people are standing outside looking - it must be serious."

Another eyewitness said: "They have cornered him in a house. They are telling people they are not allowed out of their houses, and have to be under brick cover."

Just after 7pm negotiators were seen entering the garden and calling up to a first floor window, while firearms officers waited outside the house.

Earlier people at the scene reported seeing officers shoot a rubber bullet at a window, but police haven't confirmed this.

Other witnesses reported several police cars and ambulances in the streets around the school, and Everest Drive and Amethyst Close were taped off.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called at 4.21pm to reports that a man was in possession of a firearm at a property in Brookside, Hoo.

"Armed response officers were deployed to the scene and a cordon was put in place preventing access to Brookside and surrounding roads.

Video: Police surround house in Hoo

"A number of neighbouring properties were also evacuated. A man was arrested at 7.40pm on suspicion of firearms offences and has been taken into custody."

The man was held in police custody until Wednesday when he was released on bail until Thursday, October 1.

Written by Gareth Arnold, reporting by Chris Hunter

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