Police are combing the area near a church after an officer was attacked in a graveyard last night.

A shopper took this picture of a heavy police presence in St Lawrence High Street, Ramsgate and said the entrances to St Lawrence church had been sealed off with police being stationed at all access routes to the building.

A manhunt is continuing to find a group of people who were involved in an attack on a police officer which left him unconscious for a time, and with a head injury.

A major emergency response swung into action just after 10pm last night, with the officer being treated at the scene and taken to hospital. He has since been discharged.

Police are still hunting the suspects and a search of the area covering Ramsgate, Newington and Dumpton took place last night. The force also confirmed today armed units had been scrambled due to reports one of the offenders was carrying a firearm. No shots had been fired.

No arrests have yet been made. Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 02-1242.Alternatively contact Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.