Police presence in Stanway on Friday was due to 'welfare concern'

Several police cars, a forensic unit, and the ambulance service were on the scene of an address in Warren Lane at about 3pm on Friday, with Essex Police confirming they attended in response to concerns for welfare of a family.

The man remains in custody for questioning.

Response - a forensics unit was on the scene at 8.30pm last night (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest) Officers remained at the address for several hours and a police cordon was set up as an investigation got underway.

They were also seen speaking to neighbours and other members of the public as part of their enquiries.

Confirming the nature of the incident, a spokesman for Essex Police said: “We received concerns for the welfare of a family in Warren Lane, Stanway, shortly before 3pm on Friday, November 22.

“A significant policing response was sent to the area and officers entered a property to ensure all occupants were safe and accounted for.

“After a short interaction, a 54-year-old man was arrested.

“He remains in custody today, Saturday November 23, to be questioned.”

Neighbours said they saw emergency services rush to the house in Warren Lane shortly at around 5pm – two hours after the first police officers arrived – but did not think anything of what was happening.

One man said he was unfazed by the police presence and unaware of what was unfolding.

He said: “I drove past them at about five o’clock – you would be surprised how many sirens and lights you see around here.”

Another said she was concerned by the length of time the police had been at the address.

She said: “I was saying goodbye to my grandson and we saw the blue lights – it was about 5.30pm.

“We weren’t aware [of anything happening].

“I didn’t even hear sirens – we just saw flashing lights.

Investigation - police were on the scene for several hours on Friday, having arrived in Warren Lane at 3pm (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

“I just thought, whatever it was, it’s bad because [the emergency services] have been there for a long time.

“I just hope they are all OK and wish them well.”

A police spokesman added the incident is being treated as isolated, saying there is no threat posed to the wider public.

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