A MANHUNT was launched across south Essex after two teenagers were seen clowning around with toy guns.

Firearms officers were dispatched to Long Road, Canvey, following reports of a man with a gun in a silver car.

When they arrived there was no sign of the vehicle, so the police helicopter was scrambled to hunt for it.

Within 50 minutes a marked police car pinpointed a silver Vauxhall on Two Tree Island, Leigh, and kept it under careful observation.

It was followed to Grand Parade, near the junction with Woodfield Road, before it was surrounded by armed police and a dog unit.

Two teenagers, both aged 17, from Canvey, were arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm.

However, it later emerged they were simply playing with toy guns belonging to their younger brothers.

Passer-by Steve Cooper said: “I was just walking back from Chalkwell station and police rushed past, with the helicopter overhead, in marked and unmarked police cars at a good 80mph plus, and screeched to a stop.

“Pistols and semi-automatic rifles were drawn.”

A resident from Grand Parade added: “There was a lot of activity. There appeared to be armed police and at least three police cars.

“We saw a young man standing against one of the cars with his hands behind his back I would guess he had handcuffs on.”

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: “Police would like to thank the caller, who was vigilant and well intentioned.

“We would always rather have reports of suspicious activity that we can then check.

“In this case, it appeared to be a couple of teenagers playing with toys belonging to their younger brothers, and no further action was taken.

“No threats were made to anybody.”

The drama started at about 7.10pm on Wednesday.