A man has been seriously injured after being shot by armed police outside a village pub in Kent.

Kent Police said officers went to the scene in Hollingbourne, near Maidstone, on Monday evening to make an arrest at around 7.15pm.

Pictures from the scene show the bomb squad also went to the Park Gate Inn, but it is understood to have been as a precaution.

"While at the scene, a firearm was discharged by a police officer," Kent Police said in a statement.

"A man sustained injuries believed to be life-changing and was taken to a London hospital where he remains receiving treatment."

The force said it is supporting an independent investigation launched by the police watchdog.

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An Independent Office for Police Conduct spokesperson said investigators have been sent to the scene to gather evidence, but the probe is in "the very early stages".

An IOPC spokesperson said: "We have begun an independent investigation after a man was shot and seriously injured by Kent Police, who were responding to an incident on Monday 7 July.

"We were notified by the force after the incident in Hollingbourne, which occurred shortly before 9pm, and declared an independent investigation a short time later.

"The man is receiving treatment in hospital for his injuries, which are thought to be life-changing."