Armed Police Storm Maidstone Street After Gun Threat Drama
Fifteen armed officers from Kent Police swooped on a man reportedly armed and making threats in Maidstone’s Park Wood estate. The tense raid unfolded just after midnight on Sunday, April 25.
Road Lockdown and Air Support as Police Move In
Chestnut Close was sealed off with police blocking all surrounding roads. The operation had serious firepower, including a police dog and aerial support from Essex’s National Airport helicopter squad.
Locals described a frenzy of flashing blue lights and armed officers shouting as the raid went down.
Man Arrested, High-Powered Rifle Seized
Police arrested a 38-year-old man at the scene and found a high-powered non-police issue rifle, which was later made safe by officers. The suspect was cuffed and taken to Maidstone Police station where he remains in custody.
Officers are still combing through the property searching for bullets and other weapons.
Residents Shocked as Police Storm Quiet Neighbourhood
“All the commotion woke me up — there was shouting and loads of police cars. I’m pretty sure there were guns involved,” a local resident told us. “There was even a helicopter overhead while the raid was happening.”
He added: “A neighbour said they found possibly drugs and a firearm.”
Police Confirm Incident, Urge Witnesses to Speak Up
A Kent Police spokesman said:
“We were called around 10:30pm on April 24 following reports of a man spotted with a weapon in Chestnut Close. Officers arrested a 38-year-old on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.”
“An air weapon was seized, and searches continue. There’s no ongoing risk to the public at this time.”
Police urge anyone with information to call 101 quoting reference 46/68723/21 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
