Armed police and the force's helicopter have swooped on a house in Laindon.

Six police cars and armed officers were called to Somerset Road shortly after 1pm today.

Specialist trained officers attended and the man has now been detained.

Essex Police has not given any more information at this time.

Residents described seeing the road blocked off with police cars and armed officers shouting for someone to come out of the house.

One neighbour, who didn't want to be named, said: "They had six cars parked up at the roundabout near High Road.

"The officers were getting their machine guns ready.

"Then they all drove to the house.

"They were shouting for about an hour for someone to come to the door with nothing in his hands."

He described a man coming out with his arms up and being arrested.

Another residents said it was a shock, as the man living at the house had always seemed polite and friendly.

She said: "They were shouting out 'Armed police, please come to the door'.

"They kept shouting until he came out.

"He seemed worried about his dogs and asked for a drink of water but they wouldn't let him have one."