OFFICERS from the National Crime Agency are preparing to question two people they have arrested after raiding a home in Colchester.

More than a dozen officers from the specialist squad carried out an operation at the property in Cape Close which began at 10am.

The NCA deal with serious and organised crime.

Two people, a man and a woman, have been arrested following the raid.

Residents in the area said they were absolutely shocked to hear about the raid.

A spokesman for the NCA said they would not be able to comment further until the suspects have been questioned.

One onlooker, who did not wish to be named but saw the NCA officers enter the house said: "I was looking out of the window and saw a lot of police going into the house.

"At the time I did not even know what NCA stood for.

"About a dozen officers went in but they have been coming and going all day.

"This is a very quiet neighbourhood. You might see blue lights once a month but that is because an elderly person might have fallen over and hurt themselves rather than any police activity.

"We actually see the police helicopter above us more than we do any police cars."

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Residents in nearby Rudsdale Way and Jeffrey Close reported seeing unfamiliar cars parked outside as officers prepared to make their move.

David Pancombe, who has lived on Rudsdale Way for 47 years, said he was stunned to hear there had been a major operation just yards from his home.

He said: "We know most of the people who live on this road, it is a little bit like that on Cape Close, but it is usually very quiet.

"It is so rare to see a police car here because usually it is just not needed."