Armed police descended on a residential road this afternoon.

The officers were in Dene Holm Road, Northfleet, and a family were taken out of a house one by one.

As of around 5.30pm, some of them were seen being allowed back into the property.

Five police cars were at the scene with around 20 officers, of which at least 10 were armed.

There were also thought to be a few unmarked police vehicles and around 60 people came out to watch the drama unfold, but the immediate vicinity was cordoned off.

A police officer said the guns were "a precaution", while another said "it's all fine".

Reporters at the scene were told that the operation "concerns the arrest of a number of individuals within the UK", but that it was "not terrorism related".

As of just before 5.30pm, people were being let through on foot.

A Kent Police spokesman said officers are assisting the National Crime Agency with an operation and any inquiries must be directed to them.

The National Crime Agency has been contacted for comment.