A dramatic police operation was seen unfolding in Southend city centre this morning after armed officers stopped a car at gunpoint on Tylers Avenue.
The incident happened shortly after 9.30am, with passers-by witnessing officers surrounding a vehicle in a coordinated armed response. Several members of the public looked on in shock as firearms units moved in.
The operation was launched after Essex Police received intelligence suggesting the vehicle might be linked to a serious incident that had taken place in London.
However, after officers carried out further checks at the scene and reviewed additional information, it became clear that neither the driver nor the vehicle were connected to the London investigation.
A spokesperson for Essex Police confirmed:
“Armed officers responding to intelligence connected to an investigation involving a serious incident reported in London stopped a car in Southend this morning.
“Following further checks and information received the driver and the vehicle were confirmed to be unconnected to this investigation.”
There were no arrests. Police have not provided further details about the London incident that triggered the stop.
A person who works in an office nearby, and asked not to be named, said:
“You don’t expect to see armed police outside the office when you arrive for work in the morning. It was intense. They moved quickly and professionally, but it was definitely worrying for a moment.”