A WOMAN has been arrested after police seized what is thought to be an imitation gun following an assault.

Emergency services rushed to Long Riding, in Basildon at 10.45pm last night. 

A man suffered a cut to his head during the incident.

Rumours were circulating on social media about a suspected shooting but police confirmed no shooting took place.

A spokesman for Essex Police: "We were called at around 10.45pm yesterday, Wednesday, January 16, to Long Riding, Basildon, in response to a woman suggesting that she had been assaulted in an incident possibly involving a knife.

"We attended the scene and the circumstances confronting police on arrival led to the arrest of the woman on suspicion of possession of firearms offences and assault and she remains in custody.

"We seized what is suspected to be an imitation firearm and searched a nearby property.

"A man suffered a cut to his head and did not require hospital treatment. He is assisting us with our enquiries."