Three men were arrested in a huge police operation after two people were attacked yesterday.

Armed officers responded to the incident at Smeeth, near Ashford at about 2.30pm.

One of the injured men was treated by ambulance crews but the other sustained a serious but non-life threatening injury and was taken to William Harvey Hospital.

For his safety, a police presence remained at the hospital.

The search for the suspects included armed officers and police dogs in two locations in Smeeth and Hythe, and the Surrey police helicopter was used to search the fields surrounding the address in Smeeth.

The three men were arrested at an address in Sir John Moore Avenue, Hythe, on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent. They are being held in custody.

Police say vehicles have been seized and investigations are continuing at addresses in the area.

Det Insp Julien Lawton, said some officers involved in this search were armed as they believed the suspects may have been armed.

He said no shots have been fired during the incident.

He added: “I apologise for any inconvenience that road closures and subsequent hold ups have caused, however safety of the members of the public was paramount during this incident.”