A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of drugs offences after plain-clothed police officers swooped in broad daylight.

Essex Police officers were spotted in Bell Vue Road, in Colchester, at the junction with Colne Bank Avenue, shortly before 1pm on Thursday.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a man being detained by officers not in uniform next to an unmarked vehicle with red and blue flashing lights.

Shortly after making an arrest a police van driven by one officer also pulled up at the scene.

Just a few minutes later, however, both police teams had left the area and traffic was once again able to get in and out of Bell Vue Road.

One resident, who saw the incident unfold, said: “I was not quite sure what was going on but it looked serious because I think it involved undercover officers.

“I saw a man being held by the police in plain clothes while another in uniform watched from inside a police than. It all happened so fast.”

Essex Police have now confirmed a 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug in Colchester.

A spokesman for the force said: “He remains in custody for questioning.”