ARMED police swooped on a house after a report of a man wielding a firearm.

However, the alert turned out to be over a BB gun.

Police had sent up the force's helicopter and despatched armed officers in pursuit of the man after a member of the public said he had seen someone brandishing a firearm in a car in Foksville Road, Canvey, at about 2pm yesterday.

Officers eventually pursued the vehicle to Amid Road, a quiet cul-de-sac off Dovervelt Road, and arrested a 19-year-old man.

However, a search of premises near the initial sighting revealed only a BB gun, which was taken away by officers.

Roger Grimwade, spokesman for Essex Police, said: "Just before 2pm, a taxi driver reported seeing a firearm being brandished from a vehicle.

"Shortly after, police officers went to a nearby address and a man was arrested.

"A search of the premises led to the recovery and seizure of a BB gun."

BB guns fire pellets instead of bullets, and are normally only powerful enough to be used for target shooting.

However, there have been cases of animals or even people being injured or killed by the guns.

It is illegal to carry the guns in public and campaigns have been launched by police all over the country, warning people of the dangers of carrying BB guns or imitation firearms.