A large police presence was spotted in a south Essex town centre with residents reporting seeing helicopters and armed police in the area.

Residents reported seeing helicopters in the area and police in Market Road this afternoon.

Reports claim there had been an attempted armed robbery at the Phones and Gadgets shop in the road. 

However, police say a man questioned faces no action and they are satisfied no crimes took place.

A worker at the shop told the Echo: "A man tried to get a refund for headphones and he showed me a handgun in a small black box.

"He was trying to frighten me and said don't mess with me. I stated videoing it on my phone and told him I was doing that and he put the gun away.

"I felt scared and threatened. He was trying his best to stop me checking the item. He left the shop and I followed him.

"There were lots of police including armed police and the police helicopter."

Essex Police confirmed there was a "significantly increased police presence" in the town this afternoon.

A spokesman for the force said: "We were called to reports of a man acting suspiciously in Market Road, Wickford, shortly before 2.40pm.

"Officers arrived and carried out a search of the area.

"A short time later, a man was stopped by officers and is currently helping us with our enquiries.

"Although residents will have seen a significantly increased police presence in the town, at this stage we don’t believe there is a threat to the Wickford public and we would like to thank members of the public for their patience."