A semi-conscious pensioner who sparked a four-hour stand-off with armed police won't face charges, it was revealed today.

Firearms officers were called to a house in Marine Parade, Sheerness, at around 10.45am on Friday after reports a man with a gun was making threats.

Police surrounded the house and cordoned off between Invicta Road and Alexandra Road.

People who had gathered to watch were being moved on from the Neptune Terrace area for their own safety.

Negotiators were also at the scene trying to contact the man and resolve the situation safely, although he was not thought to be a risk to anyone else.

At about 2.30pm, it is believed officers entered the lower basement flat and after carrying out a search, police found the 65-year-old semi-conscious.

Eyewitnesses claimed he was discovered in an armchair with a gun between his legs.

Dozens of by-standers watched as the man was removed from the house and handed over to the waiting paramedics.

He was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital in an ambulance where he was due to be assessed under the mental health act.

The police cordon was lifted and all roads were re-opened by about 3.30pm.

A South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesman confirmed paramedics were at the scene from 11am to assist police and the man was taken to hospital as a priority.

Stacie Wiltshire, 19, lives a few doors away from the house in Marine Parade.

She said: "I looked out of the window because I thought I heard someone banging on the front door and there were all these police outside.

"It was a bit of a shock and to see the guns was a bit scary.

"It makes you dubious - wondering what's going on so close to home."

A Kent Police spokesman said no action will be taken against the man.