Armed police descended on a Kent high street in response to reports of a man carrying a weapon.
Six police cars and another unmarked vehicle were scrambled to Herne Bay, where a 30-year-old man was arrested.
About twelve officers – some armed and some unarmed – attended with a dog at the junction with Beach Street.
They were spotted outside The Vintage Empire Tearoom and Kimber Estates branch.
One man witnessed the drama while picking up his dinner from the Happy Fryer fish and chips shop.
“The first I knew of it was when I heard police shouting for someone to get down on the ground,” he said.
“I went outside and there were about half a dozen police cars and one unmarked car.
“I counted six armed officers and about as many normal officers, and another one had a dog.
“They arrested a man and took his backpack. He was with a toddler who stayed with a female officer after he was driven off.
“It was all over in about five minutes.”
A Kent Police spokesperson said officers were called at approximately 5.50pm to the High Street, where it was reported that a person had been approached by a man in possession of a weapon.
They said: “Armed officers attended and a local man, aged 30, was arrested within minutes at the scene. He remains in custody.”
No injuries were reported and an imitation firearm was located and seized, the spokesperson added.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 21-1291.
