UPDATE: Wanted man on the loose in Kent after disrupting trains at Gravesend station has been named locally

The man, who has been named locally as William Reader, was running from police who were called to a property in Park Place where he was "making threats".

He has been described as a young blonde or red haired man, 5ft8 and he is thought to be carrying a knife.

Witnesses reported that police were searching properties, gardens and sheds along Raphael Road, Waterton Avenue, Norfolk Road and Elliot Street.

Kent Police also sent a helicopter to join the search.

Southeastern tweeted this morning (February 26) that trains were delayed between Faversham and St Pancras International because of a trespasser.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: “It appears the man who was trespassing is wanted by Kent Police. We are assisting them."

The trespasser was spotted by the train driver and one passenger just after 9am, who alerted transport police.

The spokesman added: “We were called to the rail line close to Norfolk Road, Gravesend, at 9.13am on Thursday, 26 February, after a report of a man trespassing on the line.

“Colleagues from Kent Police and Network Rail also attended.”

A Kent Police spokeswoman said: "Kent Police was called at 8.50am on 26 February to a report a man was making threats at an address in Park Place, Gravesend.

"The man left the scene and officers conducted an area search, assisted by the British Transport Police. At this time enquiries are ongoing to locate the man."

Normal train service is now resumed.

More information to follow.

Do you have any information? Ring the newsdesk on 01689 885702 or email josie.griffiths@london.newsquest.co.uk

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