A Bafta-nominated actor has been charged by police after allegedly bursting into a pub armed with a fake gun.

John McEnery is accused of inciting fear of violence by entering the Leading Light in Faversham with an imitation firearm.

Staff at the Wetherspoon branch in Preston Street called police and armed officers descended on the town centre at 8.30am yesterday morning.

McEnery, who joined the National Theatre company in 1966, was arrested shortly before midday near Faversham Creek.

He was taken to hospital by officers as a precaution before being taken into custody, where he was charged this afternoon.

The pensioner is reported to be of no fixed abode, but previously lived in a flat in South Street, Faversham.

One witness, who saw the action by the pub unfold, said: “Police cars came into Preston Street and parked up. A group of officers then went into Wetherspoons.

“There was no shouting or much commotion, but it was a scary situation as people did not know if it was a real weapon or an imitation firearm.”

McEnery is the ex-husband of former Dynasty star Stephanie Beacham, with whom he has two children.

He was nominated for a Bafta in 1968 for his role as Mercutio in Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet.

He later played Russian politician Alexander Kerensky in Nicholas and Alexandra, and took the title role in the 1972 film Bartleby, in which he starred opposite Paul Scofield.

His other film credits include The Land That Time Forgot(1975) and The Krays (1990), in which he played gangster Eddie Pellam.

He is due to appear before Maidstone magistrates’ on August 25.