ARMED police and dog units reportedly swooped on an estate in Colchester after people were believed to have been seen carrying "offensive weapons".
Essex Police officers descended on Miranda Walk, in Greenstead, after receiving concerning reports on Tuesday afternoon.
The force was called into action after fears were raised by residents over people allegedly being spotted with weapons on the estate.
A spokesman for the police said: “Officers quickly attended the scene at about 4.10pm on Tuesday and carried out a thorough search of the area.
"No suspects were identified. Our inquiries are ongoing.”
An eyewitness told the Gazette they had seen “police helicopters, armed officers, and police dogs” in the Hawthorn Avenue area at about 5pm, though Essex Police has not confirmed this.
Another resident said they had received a leaflet through their door advising them to “not be alarmed” by an increased police presence in the area.
'Committed to keeping communities safe'
The leaflet says: “These are normal police patrols designed to disrupt criminal activity and prevent people from becoming victims of crime.
“We will use our stop and search powers and knife arches where appropriate.
“Most people are unlikely to be affected by serious crime, but we are committed to keeping our communities safe.
“It’s an issue we can only tackle with everyone’s support. You can help us by reporting anything that doesn’t look or feel right.”
Miranda Walk is close to Magnolia Drive, so any incidents in Hawthorn Avenue may be unconnected.
Greenstead councillor Julie Young says she is already trying to address poor lighting in the Hawthorn Avenue area after residents raised safety concerns.
“I’m concerned to hear there may have been armed officers in Greenstead and I’ll be making inquiries,” she said.
“If there are people walking around with knives or offensive weapons that is of great concern.
“I will talk to the community safety team and our chief inspector to see what is going on. I haven’t had any feedback about people carrying offensive weapons but I will look into it because of the concern and worry it raises.”
Fellow ward councillor Tim Young emphasised the importance of not approaching anyone carrying a weapon and to “listen to what police tell you to do”.
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