A man has been seriously injured in a shooting in Folkestone.

Police have taped off the Red Cow pub in Foord Road following the incident, which happened just before 11.30am.

As many as six police cars and four ambulances have descended on the residential street.

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Forensic teams are also at the scene and a firearm has been seized by police.

Neighbours have described the victim as a "lovely bloke" who was a larger than life character always keen to knock on their door inviting them to parties.

The pub - which was built in 1682 and is Folkestone's second oldest - is said to be a thriving business in the heart of the community where everybody knows each other.

Another neighbour said everything was quiet until suddenly "hell broke loose when emergency services arrived".

Witnesses have counted between 10 to 12 emergency vehicles.

The pub is cordoned off and officers are guarding it.

A worker at Williams Computers and Electrical next door to the pub said: "It is a bit worrying with it happening next door so close to home."

Another added: "I just came out to go to the shop and saw all the police, I've never seen anything like it."

Police spokesman Steve Knight said: "We are currently at an address in Foord Road, Folkestone, after a man was discovered with an injury consistent with a gunshot.

"A firearm has been recovered from the property and inquiries into the circumstances behind the incident are ongoing."

It is not known if police are searching for anyone in connection with the shooting.

More as we get it.