Kent Police stormed the sleepy village of Otham near Maidstone in the early hours of Sunday, May 3, sparking a dramatic armed raid. Eight people were arrested and taken to police stations across Kent after a tense two-hour operation at the White Horse pub and nearby properties.
Officers in full body armour, armed with G36 Carbines and ballistic shields, descended on White Horse Lane just before midnight on Saturday, May 2. Commands of “Armed police, get on the floor and out with your hands up!” echoed through the cul-de-sac as men were handcuffed and detained. Two individuals were removed from a white Mercedes with its doors left wide open. The police sealed off the area with a cordon, and armed officers remain on guard at the scene.
One man required hospital treatment and was escorted by paramedics wearing ballistic vests and face masks from the South East Coast Ambulance Service. A specialist Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), trained to enter dangerous “hot zones,” also assisted during the high-risk incident.
Kent Police confirmed that a large verbal and physical fight broke out shortly before midnight on Saturday, May 2, involving multiple people. Witnesses reported seeing a possible weapon, which prompted the heavy police response.
“Eight people have been arrested on suspicion of affray,” said a Kent Police spokesman. “Six men and two women have been taken into custody as inquiries continue. Thankfully, no serious injuries or weapons were found.”
Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious is urged to contact Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting reference 46/75100/20.
Originally published by UKNIP.
