The police helicopter was scrambled last night as officers dealt with a firearms incident in Thanet.

Officers were dispatched to Birchington at 8.15pm following reports of an incident at All Saint's Church in Kent Gardens.

Witnesses have described the police presence at the scene.

Writing on Facebook, Scott Wilkins said: "About 8pm there was a collective of police with dogs around the church all parked up on the pathway

"Just as I drove past an ambulance pulled up with blue lights going."

A police statement released today said: "We were called to Crescent Road in Birchington at 6.27pm on Sunday following a reported sighting of a male in possession of a suspected firearm.

"Armed officers attended the scene as a precaution and the police helicopter helped in the search, which was in the Crispe Park area of the town."

Inquiries are continuing to find the man.