ARMED police officers shot a suspect with a rubber bullet during a stand-off outside a property in West Mersea.

Residents of Kingsland Road watched from the safety of their homes as officers engaged in an altercation with a 27-year-old man, who was later arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon.

A number of police cars, a dog unit and a police helicopter were in the area to deal with the incident on Monday night.

Traffic was also redirected away from the scene by police officers whilst the incident was unfolding.

Witnesses reported the man ignored instructions to put his hands up when he was making his way outside, which is when he was shot with a baton gun.

One witness, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “He opened the door and held his hands behind his back as if he was holding something and he was just laughing at the police.

“He wasn’t putting his hands in the air so they shot him with a rubber bullet right in the stomach and winded him so badly he passed out so they had to give him oxygen.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Police were contacted at 4.30pm on Monday with concerns for the welfare of a man in Kingsland Road, West Mersea.

“Officers attended and used a baton gun to detain the man from the Colchester area. He was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and taken to hospital.

“He was treated for minor injuries before being discharged and taken into custody, where he is awaiting questioning.”

The ambulance service confirmed they received a call at 6.11pm on Monday, however, they added they were not required to attend.