Police have issued a fresh update after armed police locked down a road near a Leigh school this morning.

Armed officers were seen blocking off Ronald Hill Grove, in Leigh, near West Leigh Junior and Infant School earlier today following "concerns for a man".

Essex Police had received a call from a "partner organisation" shortly after 8am who reported “concerns relating to the welfare of a man who was making threats”.

Police responded quickly and attended the area, with a helicopter spotted in the area, conducting a widespread search. The school had been advised to keep pupils inside at this time.

The force has now issued a new update following the incident, confirming the man they had been trying to locate has been found "safe and well".

While his welfare at this stage is paramount, police have said a criminal investigation will be carried out "in time".

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Following concerns for a man in Leigh earlier today, we’re now in a position to provide an update.

"A man who we had been trying to locate has been found safe and well. We can confirm there was, and continues to be, no risk to the public.

"We would like to thank members of the public for their patience and their assistance throughout the morning. We received a number of calls to provide information which was vital to us locating the man.

"At this stage, his welfare is paramount. A criminal investigation will be carried out in time."