A MAN has been arrested following reports he was carrying tear gas.

Police were first called to a house in Rochford Garden Way, Rochford, on Thursday afternoon after concerns were raised about a man inside.

Nearly 24 hours later plain clothes officers arrested a man, aged in his 40s and from Rayleigh, in connection with the incident.

He was arrested on suspicion of illegal possession of a CS gas canister.

The chemical, known as tear gas, was designed to control riots.

It reacts with moisture on the skin and in the eyes, and causes a burning sensation, forcing eyes to shut.

The man has been released on bail until Sunday, August 31, while officers carry out further investigations.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Detectives are investigating the circumstances in which a man was found to be in possession of a CS gas canister in Rochford.

"Police were first called at 1pm on Thursday following concerns of a man inside a house in Rochford Garden Way.

"Officers arrested a man in his 40s from the Rayleigh area on Friday lunchtime in connection with possessing CS gas canister.

"He has been released on bail until August 31 pending further enquiries."