ARMED police were called to Colchester town centre after reports a man brandished a large knife after an argument.

Employees working at shops in Culver Street West heard shouting between a group of men at 5pm on Wednesday.

They then saw one of them pull out a knife – believed to have been the size of a machete.

The group then split up and ran away.

A few minutes later, armed police were at the junction of Trinity Street, Eld Lane and Sir Isaac’s Walk stopping people from walking down Scheregate Steps or through the area.

They left after roughly half an hour and did not make any arrests.

One witness said: “Lots of young children witnessed it and parents.

“A bloke was running around swinging around a sword-like machete.

“Two other guys took chase and were shouting at him but he was definitely wielding a sword or a machete. He ran down bank passage and on to the High Street with it.”

A worker who heard what was happening on the street said the men were often in town and he heard threats being made to one of the people before they all ran off.

Shortly afterwards police arrived at nearby Sir Isaac’s Walk.

One of the officers was armed.

Nearby businesses asked police what was going on but they were only told the area was being shut for a short time.

One man working nearby said: “We didn’t know really what was happening but they were probably here for about half an hour.

“They weren’t letting people through.

“When it was time to shut up we had to leave through the back entrance.

“They were here but it didn’t look as if much was happening.

“It was almost like a training exercise.

“Then we heard this morning that it might have been connected to somebody having a large knife.”

Essex Police confirmed they had been called to the scene but said they were unable to locate any of the men.

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They confirmed they are yet to make any arrests in connection with the investigation.

A spokesman for the force said: “We received reports of four men fighting in High Street, Colchester, at around 5.10pm on Wednesday.

“We also received reports that one of the men involved may be armed with a knife.

“We attended the scene and carried out a search of the area but were unable to find the men described.

“There were no reported injuries and our inquiries are ongoing.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101.

Details can also be handed anonymously to crime fighting charity Crimestoppers on 0800 55511 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.