Major armed police operation in Burnham was to arrest man on suspicion of posession of firearm

A MAJOR armed police operation in Burnham ended with the arrest of a man in his 60s on suspicion of possession of a firearm.

An Essex police spokesman said: "We were called to reports of concern for the welfare of a man in the area of King Edward Avenue, Burnham-on-Crouch, at about 6.30pm on Sunday March 17.

"Officers from across our Maldon Local Policing Team and our Operational Support Group quickly arrived at the scene and closed the road to protect the public while they worked.

"Alongside the Essex Fire and Rescue Service and paramedics from the East of England Ambulance Service, our officers worked for a number of hours to ensure the man was safe. At about 9.45pm, officers arrested a man in his 60s on suspicion of possession of a firearm."

The force confirmed some officers involved were armed and the man remained in custody earlier today.

 Residents had posted on social media on Sunday that they had been turned around and prevented from entering the town on Burnham Road.

Some suggested up to 50 police officers had been involved.

Five ambulances were also reportedly seen in the area.

One person joked that "they did not know there were this many police in Essex."

If you know anything more about the incident email jonaustinreporter@gmail.com