'20 ARMED police' have been spotted swarming a Westcliff street detaining two men.

A resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, saw between 15 to 20 armed police at an address in Pembury Road, Westcliff.

The incident took place around 11am yesterday morning.

READ MORE >> Family left homeless after charger ignites causing house to go up in flames

He said: “I witnessed the incident on Pembury Road as it happened outside of my flat.

“I believe there were two lads, and I saw one was arrested I think, but not sure about the second.

“There were a least 15 to 20 armed police in the area.”

A spokesman for Essex Police has now confirmed why two men were arrested. 

They said: "We arrested two men yesterday, Wednesday 15 June, in Pembury Road, Southend.

"A 23-year-old man from Benfleet was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of drugs with intent to supply.

"An 18-year-old man from Leigh-on-Sea was arrested on suspicion of robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of drugs with intent to supply.

"Both men remain in custody at this time."