Armed police rushed to a quiet seaside area following reports of a man with a weapon.

Kent Police now say that they had been told he had been seen at Church Lane in Seasalter.

A spokesman said this afternoon: "Kent Police were called at 12.25pm following a report that a man had been seen in a car holding a weapon in Church Lane, Seasalter.

"Officers, including armed officers, remain in the area where they are conducting enquiries to establish the circumstances."

Residents first reported seeing firearms officers in Lucerne Drive, Seasalter, from about 3.45pm.

Witnesses said that three officers with guns, helmets and body armour were spotted in the area.

Mr Phuphinder Rai, of the nearby Seasalter Fish Bar, told Kent Online: "I saw police officers from the back of my shop.

"Someone told me they were armed but I did not see that for myself."

KM photographer Chrs Davey who was at the scene said: "There is a heavily armed police presence in the area and officers are outside a property in Lucerne Drive.

"There are police cordons at either end of the incident and these are being guarded by PCSOs."

Anybody who saw the incident or has information that can help the investigation is asked to call 01843 222289 quoting reference 24-0516 or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on on 0800 555 111.