Police, firefighters and army personnel descended on the home of a former by-election candidate who claims to be a bomb disposal expert.

Officers executed a warrant on Mike Barker's London Road property on Monday, August 3.

The 74-year-old, who attended the Rochester and Strood by-election count dressed as Father Christmas, was arrested on suspicion of making threats to cause criminal damage and harassment.

Investigations at the scene, near the Donnington Manor Hotel, led to the road being closed and took place across four days.

A police spokesman said officers were searching the premises as part of on-going inquiries.

One eyewitness said officers were digging up the front garden and another said the site looked like a "wreck".

The RSPCA also attended and its thought staff inspected a number of cages recovered from the house.

There were concerns parts of the building may have be unsafe.

A Kent Fire and Rescue spokesman confirmed crews arrived to assist police with the structural integrity of the property.

Mr Barker is also a familiar face around Sheppey and Sittingbourne, having given a number of talks about the bomb ship Richard Montgomery.

For several years, he has called on the government to allow him to lead a mission onto the stricken vessel to remove munitions.

He has been bailed, pending further inquiries, until September 2.

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