A 47-year-old driving instructor has been charged by Kent police with firearms offences after allegedly threatening a young boy with a gun.

William Walker, of Salmon Crescent, Minster, near Sheerness, was arrested after officers were called to the road in the early hours of last Saturday morning.

Neighbours woke to find armed response officers and dog handlers in the street and their gardens.

Walker appeared in court in Maidstone to face charges of possession of an imitation firearm and threats to kill for allegedly threatening a 10-year-old boy with a gas-powered gun.

He was remanded in custody until Monday, January 15.