A suspected gunman seen brandishing a firearm on top of a curry house turned out to be a harmless do-it-yourself enthusiast.

The alarm was raised after the "gunman" was spotted with what appeared to be a weapon on the roof of the K2 Indian restaurant, in Kelvedon High Street.

A police response unit was called out. But as officers edged closer to the restaurant they realised it was a false alarm.

They later confirmed Friday's drama had been sparked by an innocent DIY-fan carrying out roof repairs.

A police spokesman said: "We despatched a unit to the scene and they discovered a member of staff on the roof using a mastic sealing gun."

He said the foot-long metal tool - often used by builders and DIY enthusiasts to waterproof cracks and fill holes - was held like a gun and could be mistaken for a weapon.

A restaurant spokesman said he thought a member of staff had been trying to unblock a drainpipe.

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