Police disarmed a man with an airgun and knife in a dramatic confrontation.

They also stopped the suspect from stealing a police car in an incident in Tenterden High Street.

Officers had been called to reports of a man acting suspiciously at 12.20am today and were confronted with a man armed with a BB gun.

South Kent Police spokesman Jon Green said: "The officers took cover, as a precaution, behind a car and the offender then tried to steal the police car.

"The officers recovered the BB gun from him but he then produced a knife. Officers disarmed and arrested him."

The man, a 20-year-old of no fixed address, was arrested on suspicion of possessing an imitation firearm, possessing a bladed article and assaulting police.

He is in custody at Ashford Police Station and officers were today at the scene gathering further evidence and information.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any more information should contact PC Mick Seddon at Ashford Police Station on 01233 611055.