A MAN has appeared in court accused of sparking an 18-hour armed siege.

Steven Stirling, 52, appeared in Southend Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with possession of an imitation firearm, causing others to fear for their safety and wasting police time.

Stirling, of Burdett Avenue, Westcliff, is charged in connection with a stand-off with armed officers at a flat in Elizabeth Road, Southend, from 12.30pm last Wednesday until 7.40am the next day.

He was remanded in custody by magistrates and will reappear at Basildon Crown Court on September 13. He did not enter a plea.