A MAN has appeared in court charged with firearms and drugs offences following an armed raid and a 24-hour forensics search.

Robert Wren, 57, of Treecot Drive, Leigh, was arrested at gunpoint during a dramatic operation at his home on Thursday.

The raid followed an incident at nearby St Cedd’s Church, in Bridgwater Drive, Westcliff, the previous night.

Police were called there at 10.30pm on Wednesday and were still searching the church grounds when the armed raid took place just after noon.

Wren was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm.

Neighbours told how officers had trained a sniper rifle on his home while others with handguns approached the front door.

He came out with his hands up and was arrested.

Officers remained at the property until the following afternoon, searching a shed in the back garden and a car parked in Treelawn Drive.

They also towed away an ice cream van that had been parked on the drive.

Wren was charged with possession of a “barrel to handgun” with a barrel less than 30cm in length, and possession of two imitation firerams.

He was also charged with possession of a converted firearm without a licence.

In addition, Wren faces charges of producing cannabis and possession of cannabis.

He made a brief appearance at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court and was released on bail until a hearing at Basildon Crown Court on August 29.

A 30-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of the production of cannabis, possession of class B or class C drugs and possession of firearms offences.

She has been released under investigation, pending further enquiries.