CUSTOMERS at a popular pub were plunged into terror after a man claiming to have a firearm sparked a dramatic lockdown.
Police rushed to the Saxon King Pub, in Priory Crescent, Southend, yesterday at around 9.30pm after receiving reports of a man claiming to have a firearm.
Specialist firearm officers were also deployed to the incident.
At around 9pm, a man entered the pub’s beer garden, claiming to have a gun.
The suspect told customers at two tables in the garden that he had a “gun in his pocket”
Pub staff were alerted by customers then ushered everyone into the building and locked the doors.
Witness Nechelle Walker had been at the pub with her children and a friend.
She said: “It was so scary, especially having the kids with me.
“I went to get my kids from the play area and told them to go in and within minutes James the manager was already on the phone with the keys in the door and just told everyone to come inside.
“He locked the doors and was on the phone to the police who were there so quick.
“I took my kids to the back of the pub.
“I believe the guy had wandered around to the front of the pub, but all doors were locked.
“James and the staff had it all very under control and acted so quickly.
“The guy deserved a medal for how he dealt with it.”
Police arrested a 50-year-old man at the scene.
Police said he was not carrying any weapons.
The Saxon King posted on its Facebook page after the incident, and thanked staff and guests for “reacting in such a prompt way and listening to keep everyone safe”.
A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Officers were called to The Saxon King pub in Southend at around 9.30pm last night following reports of a man claiming to have a firearm.
“Officers including firearms officers arrived at the scene and confirmed that the man was not in possession of any weapons.
“A 50-year-old man was arrested under Section 5 of the Public Order Act.”
The man currently remains in custody.
A spokesman for The Saxon King said: “We can confirm the incident took place and, thankfully due to the swift actions of the team at the pub, the Essex Police and the calm response of our guests, the incident was resolved by the police without anyone coming to any harm.
“The pub will be open as usual today.”
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