Residents' shock after police attend St Michael's Avenue, Pitsea

Forensic officers and the army’s bomb squad spent more than 18 hours attending a home in St Michael’s Avenue, Pitsea, yesterday as they investigated “alleged firearms offences”. 

Residents in the small residential street described armed police arriving on the scene in the early hours of Monday morning and forensics and a bomb disposal unit remained in the area until yesterday evening. 

Essex Police confirmed police were searching the property for “firearms and potentially small explosives” but were unable to confirm if anything has been seized from the home. 

A man, aged in his 40s, was arrested at the scene and remained in custody being quizzed by officers yesterday evening. 

Police officers and officers in army uniforms could be seen standing outside the home as the work was carried out.

Sniffer dogs - Forensics efforts were undertaken on cars on the driveway (Image: Michael Robinson)

One resident, Mike Hodges, 82, said: “It’s a very quiet cul-de-sac. It was extremely busy - you don’t really expect it here.

“No one seems to know what’s going on. Police were here at 11pm, two police cars and a van posted outside the property.

“It worried me to an extent. It will be interesting to find out what’s going on.”
Sniffer dogs and forensics officers could be seen investigating the cars on the driveway of the property before entering the building.

Investigation underway - Forensics officers on the scene (Image: Michael Robinson)

Cheryl Gurner, 56, a resident in the street, said: “There was just police early in the morning, then the army van arrived.

“There were three or four police vehicles on the scene, you don’t see anything like it.

“There’s never really anything going on here.”

Police have said they are remaining in the area to ensure the area remains safe and provide reassurance to residents.

Forensics - Work being undertaken at the property (Image: Michael Robinson)

Work underway - Police will remain in the area across the entire day (Image: Michael Robinson)

Yesterday morning, an Essex Police spokesperson said: “Officers supported by specialist partners from the Ministry of Defence are carrying out enquiries at an address in Basildon following intelligence received over potential firearms at the location.

“A man, aged in his 40s, from Basildon, remains in custody for questioning on suspicion of a range of offences, including alleged firearms offences.

“Enquiries will be ongoing at the address throughout today.”