Bomb disposal experts were called to a Basildon address when a suicidal man threatened to blow up his home.

A block of flats and a nearby social club had to be evacuated and a road closed off during the four-and-a-half hour drama.

Police in Basildon were alerted by ambulance staff called to the address in Chatterford End, Basildon, around 6.30pm last Thursday.

Fire crews and the bomb disposal squad were also called when a suspicious device was spotted plugged into the mains.

The device included electric cable, a jerrycan and a propane cylinder.

Emergency measures were taken to cut off gas and electricity supplies until vital checks had been made.

The bomb experts gave the all clear when it was discovered the device was safe.

The man, who was in his 30s, is believed to have taken an overdose and barricaded himself into his flat, telling emergency staff he was going to harm himself.

A bottle of tablets were taken from the scene.

Sgt Darren Lewis, of Basildon police, said the exercise unnecessarily took up a lot of police time.

He said: "This man had a history of violence including harming himself. Knowing that history I would say this was simply a cry for help. A lot of necessary work was done in the end to no avail.

"A lot of police time and effort was taken up in a climate where we need to be everywhere at once."

About 15 officers from Basildon police and two crews of firefighters were needed to help lead the many elderly residents living nearby to safety.

Station officer Julian Ashley, of Basildon fire station, said: "Police asked us to check out the device as they believed it was suspicious.

"On inspection, we had the same fears and went about making the area safe should there be an explosion.

"We cleared nearby homes and the social club of about 20 people, mainly elderly, and awaited the arrival of the bomb disposal squad."

The man eventually came out of the flat of his own free will about 11pm, ending the lengthy operation.

He was taken to Basildon Hospital.

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