ARMED police officers and specially trained negotiators were called after reports of a man with a large knife.

Officers were alerted to an alleged assault at about 4.40pm on Friday in Victoria Street near Dovercourt railway station and the town centre.

Witnesses told police the suspect also appeared to have a wound to his stomach.

Police swooped on the town to carry out a search for the man.

A 25-year-old was subsequently arrested at an address in Main Road, Dovercourt, at about 1.15am on Saturday.

He was taken to Colchester General Hospital with what has been described as non life-threatening injuries.