ARMED police closed a street after a man was reported to have a gun.

The drama unfolded in Chapel Road, Brightlingsea, after a woman was allegedly assaulted on Sunday at 5pm.

Officers were told the suspect could be carrying a gun.

They searched the area, with help from the force’s helicopter, but could not find the man.

A man, 47, from Brightlingsea, was arrested in Point Clear Road, St Osyth, at 7.45pm. He was unarmed.

Residents in Chapel Road described their surprise at the helicopter hovering over their homes before the road was sealed off.

The road was closed near to the junction with Hurst Green.

Sylvia Denton, of Chapel Road, said: “We all wondered what was going on when we saw the helicopter.

Then we saw the road was closed further away from us. Noone came to tell us what was going on and I was scared to ask.”

Richard Smith, who lives nearby, said: “The house was shaking because of the helicopter.

“Before we really got any information from the police we were seeing things on Facebook and Twitter about an armed man, so we were quite scared, in view of the things that have happened in Colchester this year.

“In the end, we were all thinking it was a bit of a misunderstanding because we were told there was no gun, which is good news.”

Ashleene Irvine, of Chapel Road, said: “The helicopter was over us for what seemed like an age.

“I’m glad the police take these things seriously. It’s better they do too much, than too little.”

A man was last night being questioned by police on suspicion of common assault.