A 27-year-old man aimed a sawn-off shotgun at unsuspecting police before fleeing and throwing the loaded firearm in a bin.

Officers were busy attending a disturbance on Ramsgate seafront when an eyewitness saw Joshua Chambers brandish the gun at them, before driving away.

Police received a call at about 3.25am on July 26 last year from the member of the public, who had seen Chambers’ silver Renault Clio drive up Albion Hill and stop, while the shotgun was pointed through his car window in the direction of the unsuspecting officers, about 20m away.

Officers searched the area to find the suspect, who was located in Albion Place.

Chambers ran away, throwing the gun in a public bin.

It was recovered and was confirmed as loaded and ready to fire.

Chambers was found soon after and arrested.

Following an investigation by the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad, Chambers, of no fixed address, was charged with possessing a loaded shotgun in a public place.

He admitted the offence when he appeared at Canterbury Crown Court, and was today sentenced to three years and nine months in jail.

Senior investigating officer, DS Jay Robinson said: "The severity of Joshua Chambers’ actions should not be underestimated. He was carrying a live firearm and pointing it at people, the repercussions of which would be unimaginable, should the gun have been fired.

"Officers, who are committed to keeping people safe, were in the area because they were needed at that moment. There can simply be no acceptable reason for Chambers’ actions.

"Chambers’ behaviour is dangerous so it was important he was found quickly and brought before the court."

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