A man has been arrested after reports someone with a weapon was seen trying to get into a church.

The incident happened at St Mary’s Holy Trinity church in St Mary’s Avenue, Margate at 11.30am yesterday.

Residents reported an individual holding a gun tried to make his way into the place of worship, before those inside locked the doors.

Following reports that a man was wielding a firearm, police searched a nearby house and found two air rifles and two BB-style guns.

Officers seized the items and arrested a 70-year-old man in relation to the incident.

He remains in custody for questioning as an investigation is launched.

A police spokesman said: “Kent Police was called to a report of a man seen with a possible weapon in the St Mary’s Avenue area shortly after 11.30am on Thursday, July 6.

“Officers attended and, following the search of a nearby property, two air rifles and two BB-style guns were seized.

“A man in his 70s has been arrested in relation to the incident and remains in custody while inquiries continue.”