Armed officers flooded a busy street this afternoon after a man was spotted with a large sword.

The armed police attended Rectory Road at around 2.35pm this afternoon after receiving reports of concerns for the welfare of a man.

A police spokesman said: "We were called at 2.35pm on Saturday, November 10 to concerns for the welfare of a man in the Rectory Road area of Pitsea.

"Reports suggested a man had a sword and was making threats.

"Officers attended and a man was detained."

A cordon was put in place around the pharmacy, while officers carried out investigative work.