Armed police swooped on a town amid fears a gunman was on the loose.

Officers were called to the King Street area of Ramsgate just after 9.40pm last night when it was reported a man was holding a suspected firearm.

Unmarked police Volvos were spotted in nearby Cavendish Street and the police helicopter was also seen overhead.

Officers arrested an 18-year-old man from Ramsgate in connection with the incident, and he remains in custody.

Police say they also seized an imitation firearm in George Street following inquiries.