Armed police raided a Wickford house after reports a firearm had been seen inside.

Laburnum Avenue was closed for around five hours while 20 officers kept a careful watch on the home and made sure neighbours were out of danger.

Police sniffer dogs were also called to the scene after a householder called police to say he had seen someone with a shotgun in his home.

One resident, who asked not to be named, returned home from work and, after waiting 20 minutes, was eventually escorted safely to her house by officers.

She said: "We do know most of our neighbours here. My husband phoned and told me there were lots of police in the road but didn't know why."

Another woman, who had also finished work but couldn't get to her house because it was near where the incident was taking place, said: "I can't believe it. At first I thought it was a car accident."

Insp Steve Tutton, from Basildon police, said: "We had a call from a householder on Friday afternoon who said there was a possibility a person had a firearm in his house. We surrounded the premises until we were sure no one in there was in any danger.

"Inquiries are being carried out to find out whether any offences have been committed. The householder, who is both shocked and upset, is being cared for by his family."

He is in his late 60s and is believed to live on his own.

Police found an unlicenced shotgun in the loft of the property, but do not believe it was related to the sighting.

No arrests have been made, and nobody else is being sought by police.

Gun alert - police direct neighbours away from the scene in Laburnum Avenue, Wickford

Pictures: STEPHEN LLOYD

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