SHOCKED residents told how armed police swarmed their street before raiding two homes.

Officers carrying guns descended on Pevensey Close, in Pitsea, at about 8am on Thursday to carry out warrants at two different addresses.

Police told the Echo no arrests were made during the raids. Officers remained at the scene on Friday. Five police vans and a a van were parked up when our reporter attended in the afternoon.

It is not yet known what the police were searching for and if weapons were inside the homes.

A man in his forties, who lives in the street but asked not be named, spoke of the moment officers stormed into one property.

He said: “It was about 8am on Thursday and I looked outside and I saw an armoured vehicle, about four police cars and a couple of unmarked cars as well.

“The police had machine guns and pistols.

“A police car was blocking the road so that nobody could get in or out.

“There was a police officer with a dog.

“They had snipers waiting outside and I heard them shout ‘armed police.’

“Then there was loud bashing, which I assume was the door getting forced open.

“I only noticed all of this going on because our dogs were barking.

“It has been a surprise to see all the armed police in my street, we don’t get a lot of trouble here at all.

“The police have been here for two days now, they have been here working overnight too.”

Three people were arrested in another raid linked to the investigation, in nearly Great Ranton.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police have made three arrests after executing three separate warrants in Basildon.

“Officers attended a property in Great Ranton, Pitsea shortly after 6am on Thursday, May 18.

“A man, woman and boy were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and remain in custody at Basildon police station.

“Two properties in Pevensey Close, Pitsea, were also attended but no arrests were made.

“Enquiries are ongoing.

“The investigations on Friday are continuing from the warrants executed on Thursday.”

Police refused to give ages of the man, woman and boy who have been arrested for the drugs offences.

The trio have now been released under investigation.

Anyone with information can call 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.