A man who was arrested on suspicion of possessing a gun has been released on bail.

The 29-year-old was detained in Sheal’s Crescent just after 1am yesterday following sighting of a man with a firearm in Maidstone town centre.

Armed officers initially swooped on Earl Street shortly after 11.15pm on Saturday.

Two hours later the A229 was briefly cordoned off between the junctions with Sheal's Crescent and Sutton Road while the arrest took place. It is not yet known if a weapon was recovered.

The suspect has been released on bail until Thursday, October 29.

It is the second time police have been called out to reports of firearms in Earl Street in the space of a week.

Last Saturday panic spread through The Druid's Arms after a punter drew an imitation gun and began waving it around during a busy music gig.

Following that incident, Aleksej Mironov of White Willow Close, Ashford, was arrested and charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

The 28-year-old appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court on Monday and must be at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, October 9.