Two men were arrested and armed police surrounded a home after men were seen with a gun in the street.
Fearful residents spoke of the terrifying incident as officers were spotted in High Road, Laindon at about 8pm on Thursday night.
Two men were arrested after police received reports of a man with a gun in Beauchamps Drive, Wickford earlier this month.
Worried residents spoke out as the dramatic scenes unfolded in Laindon.
Shelly Townsend, 31, speaking via social media, said: “I have just seen armed police all around a house in Laindon High Road.
“I’ve seen police officers hiding behind their vehicle doors and aiming at the house or someone.
“I didn’t see a cordoned in the road and we drove right up to it.”
Tracey Jones, 51, spoke of her shock at the incident in the busy high road.
She said: “Oh my goodness.
“What is going on?
“Laindon used to be a very peaceful but now its full of all sort of crimes everyday, please stay safe everyone.”
Margaret Wilson, 50, said: “It happened right in front of us.
“They just missed our car.
“A car pulled on to a drive and armed police in five cars blocked it in.”
Andy Barnes, Tory chair of Basildon Council’s community committee has reassured residents not to be worried after the incident.
He said: “It is good news the police are making progress with their investigation. We will have to wait to see what the results of this will be. It is good news the police appear to have taken steps to solve this crime.
“I don’t think residents should be concerned about police using guns, it is unfortunate they have to. It should reassure residents that arrests have been made.”
A spokesman for Essex Police: “Two men were arrested on Thursday in connection with an investigation into reports a firearm was seen in Beauchamps Drive, Wickford, at about 7pm on Sunday March 10. The 20-year-olds from Laindon were arrested on suspicion of possession of firearms and public order offences.”
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