A MAN was reportedly seen with a knife near Colchester's city centre sparking a police presence in the area.

Essex Police say officers were called to Balkerne Hill at about 10.30pm last night.

It followed reports of a man being seen with a knife. 

Officers say they attended and searched the area but no suspect could be located.

A resident of a nearby road reported seeing police in the area.

They said: “I’m not exactly sure what was happening but I just saw blue flashing lights coming from outside which left me concerned. 

I then saw a police car and an unmarked police car and a couple of officers.

“It was a bit unsettling to see, especially late at night."