A police cordon has been set up around a busy supermarket after reports of a gun being found.

Officers have been spotted behind the Pitsea Tesco car park.

Police were called last night with reports that a gun was found, officers attended and searched the scene and believe it was a toy gun.

Residents reported the cordon has been in place since the early hours of this morning and one police is still at the scene.

The cordon is place near the supermarket's click and collect customer area.

The supermarket is off High Road in Pitsea near the A13 and A132.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We were called to reports of what was described as a firearm found on land off High Road, Pitsea at around 6.45pm on Friday, October 5.

"We attended and cordoned the area off.

"It is believed it is a toy gun.

"Enquiries are ongoing.

"If you have any information please call us on 101 quoting incident 1071 of October 5 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."