POLICE have destroyed a gun after officers were called to Mersea following reports of concern for a man's welfare.

Riot police, ambulances and a helicopter attended West Mersea at 7am today.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said they were called to East Road after being alerted to the possibility of a firearm at an address.

She said: "Officers recovered a firearm which was made safe and disposed of.
"No one was injured and a man in his 50s was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure."

Residents reported seeing police in protective armour and a response unit vehicle in and around Mill Road.

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service said: "We received a call today at 7.17am to reports of the concern for welfare of a man on Mill Road, West Mersea.

"We dispatched an ambulance, ambulance officer, rapid response vehicle, and hazardous area response team (HART).

"A man, believed to be in his 50s, was taken to Colchester General Hospital for further care following an assessment at the scene."