A major emergency response is under way in Gravesend this morning following reports of a hostage situation near the town’s Riverside Leisure Area.
More than 10 emergency vehicles, including police and ambulance crews, were seen shortly after 1am on the A226 Milton Road, with the incident believed to have unfolded near Milton Place, just off East Terrace.
Sources at the scene have suggested the situation may be linked to a event being held last night, and there are unconfirmed reports that one person may have been seriously injured— Police have yet to confirm this.
The area between Prospect Grove and Milton Place has been sealed off with police tape as armed officers engage in tense negotiations with a person believed to be behind the cordon. Windows on the 1st floor of property have all been smashed and house hold item thrown and smashed on the ground.
Officers have also been seen positioned around East Terrace, and bystanders have been moved away from the immediate area for safety. The incident is understood to have taken place at the former Pilot Pub on the road that has now been converted into flats.
Kent Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service have both been contacted for further information, though no official statement has yet been released.
One eyewitness, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s really shaken everyone up. You don’t expect something like this on your doorstep, especially after a party night. There’s a real fear that someone’s seriously hurt.”
The public is being urged to avoid the area while emergency services continue to deal with the developing situation.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
