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Housing estate in Tarragon Road, known as the herb estate, next to Maidstone Hospital on lockdown after armed police swoop

By: Kent Messenger reporter messengernews@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 00:00, 27 March 2014

Armed police arrested a 55-year-old man on suspicion of assault and firearms offences after placing parts of a high-end housing estate on lockdown last night.

Armed police outside a house, believed to be number 10 Tarragon Road

The drama unfolded near the Beechwood Community Hall - close to Marigold Way in Barming. It is known locally as the Herb Estate.

A police spokesman confirmed their presence was for a 'planned operation,' believed to involve bringing a person out of a house. It is understood the activity was routine, and sources at the scene said no-one had been in danger but an arrest had "proved difficult."

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Marigold Way, near where armed police have descended

Every entry point to the square and community centre was sealed off by police patrols. These included the hospital end of Tarragon Road, and the Queen's Road side. Marigold Way was also closed.

It left many residents stranded either stuck in their cars or outside in the cold as they were prevented from returning to their homes. One woman told police she had left as the incident unfolded around 6pm, but was worried about her home catching fire from unattended cooking.

Police blocking roads in Barming

A children's dance class at the community centre was evacuated half way through and the rest of the evening's schedule was been cancelled.

A witness at the time said: "There is a massive police presence and it is causing cars to build up all round the estate. I could see armed police by the children's play area and a police riot van.

Police seal off entry to the estate at Marigold Way by the Beechwood Community Centre.

"But the police didn't seem unduly concerned and kept politely asking people to be patient."

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Video: Armed police during the gun incident at Barming

The incident was scaled down around 7.30pm and officers were seen searching a property in Tarragon Road, directly opposite the children's playground.

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