A balaclava-clad man was spotted swinging a metal baseball bat by a horrified onlooker.

Police were called to Fort Crescent in Margate following a report a person was acting suspiciously near Winter Gardens.

Officers conducted a search of the area but no one matching the man’s description was found.

The force was called to the scene yesterday evening.

Eyewitness Layla Symons, from Margate, captured footage of the man.

"I was walking with my sister and son opposite the Winter Gardens where I spotted a young male wearing a black jumper and black jeans.

“He was also wearing a balaclava, swinging a metal baseball bat and walking in an aggressive manner towards the police station.”

When Layla arrived home, she told police about the man.

“I'm 25 and my son is one so I felt very protective over him and my sister,” she added.

“I felt very anxious as to what he was going to do next.

“I felt a sense of vulnerability and a duty of care for not only my family but for the community around me so I felt it was best to contact the police.”

A police spokesman confirmed officers were called shortly before 6.30pm yesterday to a report a man was acting suspiciously in Fort Crescent, Margate.

“Officers attended and following a search of the area, no-one matching the man’s description was found,” they said.