KENT

The A2 has been closed after armed police surrounded a taxi.

Eye witnesses report at least half a dozen armed officers surrounded the car after four police vehicles brought it to a stop near the Ebbsfleet turnoff.

The road was closed as the drama unfolded on the London bound carriageway just after 6pm.

Drivers have been told to expect delays of at least half an hour. 

More follows. 


UPDATE : 19:30

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of firearms offences after armed police stopped a taxi in Kent.

The vehicle was stopped on the A2 London-bound, near the junction for Ebbsfleet, shortly after 18:00 BST.

Kent Police said it followed a report that one of the occupants had earlier been seen in possession of a firearm.

Three passengers in the vehicle were taken into custody, while the road was closed to ensure public safety. Two lanes have since reopened.

Officers also searched a vehicle in the nearby Woodlands Park area, which was believed to be linked to the incident.

A spokesman for the force said there was no risk to the wider public.