A LOADED gun was found in a van after specialist officers stopped the vehicle in Braintree.

Officers, from Essex Police’s operational support group, pulled over a blue Ford Connect van in the town while on patrol, after becoming aware of possible driving offences.

When officers carried out a search a loaded BB gun was found in the glove box.

A man was arrested in relation to an alleged firearm offence and on suspicion of driving without a licence or insurance.

The gun and the vehicle were seized by police following the incident on Wednesday night.

The suspect remains in custody and is being questioned by officers.