Armed police were called and a helicopter scrambled after gunshots were heard in a residential street.

They went to Hill Rise in the village of Darenth, at around 7.12pm, amid reports of masked men prowling the area.

Officers taped off a black Vauxhall Astra as social media posts talked of chaos in the area.

Ashleigh Whelan wrote: "People shooting guns outside our house. Very scary. There were about six men in masks and people running."

Paula Knapp said: "What on earth is going on around here? Stay safe."

Robin Wood said: "They also have the police boat out on the shore of Ingress Park. Floodlight on. Looking for someone?"

The Dartford Gossip page on Facebook talked of rumours that a man had been injured.

But police denied anyone had been hurt.

A police spokesman said: "Armed officers attended the scene as a precaution and the police helicopter was also called to assist.

"No injuries have been reported and inquiries are ongoing."

The force has not provided any further information this morning.