Thundersley arrest: armed police arrest men at gunpoint

Families were told to stay in their homes while the police operation unfolded in Spencer Road, Thundersley, last night.

Essex Police confirmed they were called shortly after 8pm to support an operation being run by the Metropolitan Police in relation to an ongoing investigation.

One woman, who lives in the street and has asked not to be named, said: “It was absolutely terrifying.

“The first I became aware of it was when I heard the police helicopter overhead.

“I looked out of my window and it was so low you could practically see the pilot.

“Then I noticed the road was full of police cars and there was about a dozen officers both in uniform and plain clothes.

“Some of them had guns and there was lots of shouting - it looked like they were arresting a man in the street.”

Witnesses reported the force’s dog unit was also on scene.

Reports suggested that two men were arrested and officers appeared to be looking for a third.

Another resident said police told him to stay inside.

The 47-year-old man added: “I could see all the armed police in the street so went to see what was going on and an officer told me not to come out.

“It was alarming to see all that in your own street.”

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: “On the evening of Monday, July 8 officers from the Metropolitan Police executed a warrant at an address in Benfleet.

“Two men – no further details – were arrested on suspicion of firearms and drug offences; both remain in custody at this time. Enquiries continue.

“We are not prepared to discuss further due to ongoing operation reasons.”

The force refused to confirm or deny whether any drugs or weapons were recovered at the address, citing “operational reasons”.