Armed officers sealed off a road after reports an airgun had been fired.

A man has since been charged with possessing an air weapon and a bomb hoax offence.

Police attended Lismore Road in Whitstable at 3.20am yesterday (Sunday) cordoning off the street and evacuating some neighbouring homes as a precaution.

A spokesperson for the force added: “Patrol, including armed officers, attended, and a local man was arrested in connection to the incident.

“During a subsequent search at an address, officers seized two air rifles along with a BB gun and also located a suspicious item.”

Residents have since been permitted to return to their homes.

A Ministry of Defence explosive ordnance team also attended.

Today police said that one man, Davey Battams, has since been charged with a number o offences.

These are possession of an air weapon with intent to cause fear of violence, possession of an air weapon, criminal damage and a bomb hoax offence.

The 37 year old, of Lismore Road, Whitstable, was due to appear before Folkestone Magistrates' Court today.