A man has been arrested following reports he was seen carrying a weapon in a town centre.

Police were called to the incident in Queen’s Parade, Margate at 7.10pm yesterday evening (Wednesday).

Armed officers attended and a man in his 50s was arrested the same evening in Milton Avenue, on suspicion of possessing a firearm.

Officers also seized an imitation firearm from the suspect, who was taken into custody.

It comes after a search helicopter and armed police were seen heading into the town centre.

At least four police vehicles had been spotted at the scene parked alongside the road.

Four armed officers were also pictured outside the Premier shop in Cowper Road.

A video posted on social media shows the helicopter flying with red and blue lights flashing.

Commenting on the clip, one resident says: “It’s definitely related to the armed police convoy heading towards Margate town”.