Armed police swooped on two residential streets, including a new housing estate, following reports of people carrying weapons.

At least five police cars – two unmarked and three marked – were spotted at Spring Acres in Bapchild, near Sittingbourne this afternoon.

Spring Acres is being developed by Hyde New Homes on what was Stones Farm, just off the A2 at Fox Hill.

A witness said they saw two people with their hands on their heads.

Meanwhile, there was also a big police presence nearby in St John’s Avenue, just off Swanstree Avenue.

A passerby said: "I was driving home from work when I noticed loads of police blocking St John's.

“It looked like armed offices were going in and out of a house there and some cars might have been trapped in the cordon.

"You don't expect that type of thing as you make your way home."

Two people have since been arrested.

A police spokesperson said: “Police was called at 4.20pm to a report of people carrying possible weapons, including a knife, near Swantrees Avenue.

“Patrols attended two nearby locations and two people have been arrested and taken into custody.”