A man has been cautioned after a small number of cannabis plants were found in a house following a dramatic armed police siege.

The officers, dressed all in black, were carrying automatic rifles and shields, and wearing helmets. Together with uniformed officers they surrounded a house in Fourwents Road, Hoo last Wednesday.

Police were initially called to reports of concern for the welfare of a man.

During a search of the property, at the corner of Blackman Close, officers found two firearms.

A 44-year-old man arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis and taken in police custody, before being let off with a caution.

The road was closed for two hours, but officers lifted the cordon just before 3pm and were talking to people nearby letting them know they could enter the street.

A police spokeswoman said: “We were called at 12.20pm to following reports of concern for the welfare of a man in a property.”