An investigation has been launched after three men were spotted in an Ashford park armed with a weapon.

They were seen aiming a black machine type gun at a target in the Queen Mother’s Park, off Mace Lane.

The alarming sight was captured by a passer-by on her camera, who was so panicked by what she saw that she called the police.

A spokesman confirmed that a search of the area was carried out, and that the incident is now being investigated.

The trio were spotted in the park, close to the Ashford fire station, at around midday on Tuesday.

A woman who was out walking said she was first alerted to their presence by a noise similar to a machine gun being fired.

She said: “I heard a rat-a-tat noise and thought to myself ‘what was that?’

“The gun was fired several times over a space of a few minutes. It sounded similar to a machine gun." - witness

“I didn’t imagine it was a weapon.

“I looked around and as I got closer to the group I could see the thing that was raised was a gun.”

The witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said they were firing at what looked like a board leaning against a bike.

She added: “The gun was fired several times over a space of a few minutes. It sounded similar to a machine gun.

“The noise lasted a few seconds.

“It might be a BB gun, but it was a convincing one."

After being spotted by the woman, the three men, two of whom are pictured, packed up and left the park.

A spokesman for the police said: "Kent Police received a report at 12.33pm on Tuesday, September 8 that a man was in possession of what was believed to a firearm in Queen Mother's Park, Ashford.

"Officers attended the scene and searched but no firearm was found.

"Inquiries are ongoing."

Ashford Inspector Julien Lawton said: "We would remind anyone who owns a BB gun, that while it may be legal to possess in an appropriate setting, they should not have these weapons in a public place as they can cause unnecessary alarm.

"Those who do so can expect to be arrested and may face potentially very serious consequences."

A spokesman for Ashford Borough Council, which owns the park, said they had not received any calls about the incident.

But he added: “We would expect people to behave in an appropriate manner when using the parks and have specific consideration for other residents."