A MAN was arrested by armed police following a two-hour stand-off in a street in Corringham.

The 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm at the house in Lampits Hill, Corringham.

Officers surrounded the property, while police helicopter circled above as negotiators tried to calm the man down.

It is believed his teenage daughter was in the house as the drama unfolded.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “A car pulled up outside the house and armed police were shouting at the house, telling the people inside to come out. The road was closed off. A police negotiator turned up and the police were telling people living nearby to go inside and lock their doors.”

The man is believed to live in the house with a woman and their daughter and son, who are believed to attend Gable Hall School.

Another neighbour, who asked not to be named said: “It’s awful, especially when it’s so close to home. I don’t know what had happened. I’ve met the family a few times and he doesn’t seem sort to be waving a gun around. He’s only young, really.”

Police were called to the scene just after 5.30pm last Thursday.

Residents and shopkeepers were told to stay indoors as the operation progressed.

Those enjoying their evening in Corringham Social Club on the corner of Lampits Hill and Giffords Cross Road were also told not to leave.

The man eventually gave himself up just before 8pm and was arrested after leaving the house which is near the junction of Giffords Cross Road.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Police were called to an address in Lampits Hill at around 5.30pm following reports of a man with a gun.

“The man initially refused to leave the property when asked by police and further squad cars and the police helicopter arrived soon after.

“Police negotiators persuaded the man to leave the house and he was arrested.”