Four men were arrested by armed police on Margate sands yesterday (September 12).
Stunned bystanders watched as armed officers and a police dog handler chased the suspects across the beach after a report that the group had been spotted in the High Street with one in possession of a weapon.
Police were called to the incident at 5.50pm and arrested the four men, all aged 19, on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
An imitation firearm was recovered and the men remain in custody.
A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Kent Police was called at around 5.50pm on Thursday 12 September to a report that a man walking with others in High Street, Margate, had been seen in possession of a possible weapon.
“Officers assisted by armed patrols attended and arrested four men, all aged 19, in the Marine Drive area on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
“An imitation firearm was recovered shortly afterwards and the men remain in custody pending further enquiries.”
