ARMED police were called to reports of a man with a gun in Westcliff.

Concerns were raised about an armed gang of drug dealers who may be in the area.

Echo:

Arrest - armed police were called to the scene 

Essex Police mobilised its specialist team and a black BMW was stopped at gunpoint as part of the investigation.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called at around 1.10pm on Wednesday, April 17 with reports of a man with a firearm in Salisbury Avenue, Westcliff.

“Officers attended and carried out a search of the area and stopped to vehicles.

“A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possession of firearms with intent.

“A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of fraud and immigration offences.

“A 24 year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs and possession of firearms offences.

“And a 20-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs.

“All four are currently in custody.”

It is believed the car travelled from Salisbury Avenue to East Street.

A black BMW was stopped at the junction of East Street and Sutton Road.

Eyewitness Danielle Smith, 22, said: I was driving past with my friend and from what I could see there were armed police detaining two men.

“One was inside a black BMW 4x4 with his hands on the dashboard and police were aiming their guns at him.

“The other in a pink top had been detained on the ground.”

“It is worrying, I had children in the back of the car.”

Police were also called to another incident involving an alleged weapon in Sutton Road earlier in the day.

Members of the public reported a man waving a knife around in the street.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called to concerns for the welfare of a man in Sutton Road, Southend at around 11.20am on Wednesday, April 17.

“We attended and it was reported a man was seen in possession of a knife.

“A man has been detained under section 136 of the Mental Health Act.”

  • Yesterday the picture (attached) was associated by Essex Police to the incident involving a knife. A spokesman has now confirmed the picture taken is in relation to the incident raising concerns about armed gunman.