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Police involved in a five hour siege involving an alleged gunman holed up at a law firm in Whitfield, Kent, say the incident is now over.

There were reports earlier this evening that the man had barricaded himself at a firm solicitors. Early reports he had 'taken people hostages' were incorrect.

Around 15 armed police converged on the scene - and cordoned off the surrounding streets as they assessed the situation.

They had surrounded Mowll and Mowll solicitors in the town after 'reports of a man with a gun inside".

Police confirmed later on that expert negotiators were at the scene talking to the man whose welfare they were "worried" over.

Dozens of office workers were reportedly stuck in nearby buildings unable to make their way home until around 9pm in the evening.

Kent Online said that witness reports from the scene suggested that "there was a man inside with a shotgun".

Other uncorroborated reports said the man had barricaded himself inside.

(Image: Twitter/PaulRutters)

A statement released by police ajust before midnight said: "Officers have arrested a man for a firearms offence following an incident in Whitfield, Dover.

"A 42-year-old man from Dover was arrested at around 9.25pm on suspicion of possession of a firearm following an incident in Gordon Road, Whitfield.

"Kent Police was called at 4.05pm on Tuesday 16 August to a report of concern for the welfare of a man who was believed to have been in possession of a weapon inside an office building.

"Officers quickly established that all other people had evacuated the building and the man was alone inside.

"Officers treated this as an isolated incident and concerned for his welfare police negotiators were called and attended the scene.

" All roads which were closed have since been reopened.

"The man remains in custody at this time.

"Kent Police would like to thank the public for their support and understanding while officers dealt with this incident.

One nearby worker Kieran Dodd earlier tweeted: "Man caught carrying a gun in Dover, on the same street where I work in Whitfield. Police have completely blocked off the road."

(Image: Google)

Kent Online reporter Sam Lennon was on the scene and earlier said: "There are long queues on the A2 Whitfield bound including the carriageway from the Duke of York's Roundabout.

"Police are gathered around a police car outside Mowll and Mowll. Paramedics are wearing riot helmets between the roundabout and Mowll and Mowll.

(Image: Google)

"The roundabout between Tesco and the Port Zone is deserted and there are two ambulance vans, two ambulance cars, a police van and two police cars close by."