POLICE have taken a lethal weapon of the streets after recovering a firearm.

Three men and two boys are currently under investigation after officers with Essex Police recovered a handgun and ammunition while executing multiple warrants this week.

The warrants were executed at addresses in Westcliff and Leigh-on-sea.

Working with the Metropolitan Police Service, officers searched properties in the Park Road area of Westcliff on Thursday 6 August.

They also search properties in the London Road area of Leigh-on-sea.

A handgun and ammunition were foun during the search.

The three men and two boys were arrested in connection but have since been released under investigation.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Working alongside colleagues from the Metropolitan Police Service, officers searched properties in the Park Road area of Westcliff and the London Road area of Leigh on Thursday 6 August.

"During the search, a handgun and ammunition were found.

"Three men and two boys arrested in connection have been released under investigation."