Police were called to Hampton seafront near Herne Bay, Kent, after reports of a man listening to UB40 armed with a kitchen knife - but when officers quizzed the subject, it emerged he was from a US state where gun-carrying was commonplace.

He received a "community resolution" as authorities took the time to educate him on the legalities.

A spokesperson for Kent Police clarified: "Officers attended and a man, who is a US citizen and was on holiday in the area, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife.

"In interview, the man made a full admission to possessing the knife in public and explained he had not understood UK law around possession of weapons.

"The knife was seized and, following consideration of the circumstances, the matter was dealt with by a community resolution, during which the law was fully explained to him."

A photo captured the moment four officers converged on the location after receiving reports at 10:30am last Thursday (April 3).

A local dog walker recounted the peculiar event, saying: "It was quite strange.

"I was just walking the dog along the seafront and saw a man relaxing on the grass verge listening to UB40 on his phone.

"I carried on walking and when I turned around, I noticed a police car at the bottom of Swalecliffe Avenue and two police officers talking to him.

"But then another two officers arrived."

British law stipulates that carrying most knives or weapons in public spaces without a legitimate reason is strictly forbidden.

Moreover, selling the vast majority of knives or weapons to individuals under 18 years of age also breaches UK legislation.

Should an adult be caught unlawfully in possession of a knife or weapon, they could face up to a four-year custodial sentence.