Multiple people who were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a firearms incident in which gunshots were heard have been released without charge.

Police officers carried out several raids in Maidstone, West Malling, Gravesend and Swanley in October, where nine people were detained.

As well as the arrests, cash, cocaine, cannabis and several high-value watches were seized during the searches.

On Tuesday, September 5, members of the public called police to report the sound of gunshots.

Armed officers attended and searched the area of St Aidan’s Way, in Gravesend, but no suspects or weapons were found.

No victims came forward reporting any injuries, but a car was found damaged with what looked like possible bullet holes.

Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate launched an investigation, seized the vehicle, spoke to witnesses, and reviewed all available CCTV.

A 28-year-old man was then arrested at a property in Lower Road, Chinner, Oxfordshire, on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs.

As was a 24-year-old man at a property in Westmorland Green, Maidstone.

Both men were also detained on suspicion of attempted murder, along with seven other people, in connection with the reported firearms incident.

They included a 29-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman in Allnut Mill Close, Tovil, and a 37-year-old man in Mungo Park Road, Gravesend.

A 46-year-old man was also arrested in Spitfire Road, West Malling, while another man, 41, was arrested in Sutton Road, Maidstone.

Finally, a 39-year-old man was arrested in Fens Way, Swanley, as well as a 33-year-old man in Wilsons Lane, East Farleigh.

They were all bailed until January 2 and 4 but of the nine people, seven have been released without charge.

The 28-year-old man, from Oxfordshire, and the 24-year-old man, from Maidstone, have also been released under investigation in connection with the drug supply offences only.