Kent Police has quashed rumours of a 'hostage incident' at Bluewater shopping centre, after panic broke out on social media.
After reports began to circulate about a man with a gun around the Greenhithe area and armed police in the area, Police were quick to set the record straight.
A spokeswoman from Kent Police has confirmed a man has been taken to hospital after concerns for his wellbeing.
GREENHITHE update: A distressed man has been taken to hospital as a precaution after armed police were called following a call about someone with a gun at Cobham Close around 11:40am this morning. Police discovered an imitation firearm at the scene. Pic @alexvale13602 pic.twitter.com/CcQvTgenoz
— Kent 999s (@Kent_999s) May 25, 2018
She said: "Kent Police was called at 11.41am on Friday 25 May 2018 to a report of a distressed man inside a property in Cobham Terrace, Greenhithe.
"Officers attended along with South East Coast Ambulance Service and a man was taken to a local hospital as a precaution."
She also confirmed that armed officers had attended the scene and recovered an 'imitation firearm'.
South East Coast Ambulance Service has been contacted for more information.
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