This is the chilling moment a hooded man was seen stalking past houses carrying a ‘machine gun’, prompting a huge manhunt by armed police. 

CCTV captures footage of the stranger swinging and pointing the weapon, as he lurks around Gravesend, Kent. 

Police were called to Pelham Road on September 2 after concerned locals raised the alarm, but after a three-hour search, the man was nowhere to be seen. 

Kent Fire and Rescue Service also deployed a drone in a bid to track down the man who was dressed head-to-toe in black clothing. 

In one video which was posted to social media, captioned ‘good old Gravesend’, the man points the gun straight ahead and begins to run. 

CCTV footage shows a hooded man lurking around Gravesend, Kent with a ‘machine gun’ 

In a video posted to social media and captioned ‘good old Gravesend’, the man points the gun straight ahead and begins to run

In another clip the man is seen ducking and using the large ‘gun’ as a walking stick as he walks past a driveway. 

A Kent Police spokesman said: ‘Patrols attended the scene and completed a search but the man had left prior to their arrival. Inquiries are under way into the circumstances.’

The police have been contacted for an update.  

Police were called to Pelham Road on Saturday, September 2 following the concerning reports

After a three-hour search by police and the fire service, the man was nowhere to be seen