A MAN has been charged with making threats to kill after armed police and bomb disposal unit flooded an estate.

Forensic officers and the army's bomb squad spent more than 18 hours at an address in St Michael's Avenue in Pitsea on Monday after being called to reports of a disturbance.

A man was arrested on suspicion of two counts of making threats to kill, three counts of possessing an offensive weapon, two counts of possessing a firearm, and one count of each criminal damage, possession of a bladed article, and possession of an explosive substance.

Police presence - forensic investigation vans at the scenePolice presence - forensic investigation vans at the scene

Now 44-year-old David Longman, of St, Michaels Avenue in Pitsea, has been charged with one count of making threats to kill.

He has been released under investigation in relation to all other offences while enquiries continue.

He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court yesterday and has been released on court bail pending a future appearance at court.