Armed police rushed to a Basildon estate.

A number of residents reported seeing police and the ambulance service near to Mellow Purgess Close, in Laindon, yesterday evening.

One resident posted: "Armed response units in Burdock Drive following an innocent resident's car being hit by a vehicle carrying armed people.

"The innocent resident interrupted the assailant's mission by manoeuvring her vehicle and the assailants car collided with hers, injuring a passenger - her son. The vehicle carrying the armed personnel continued down Burdock Drive which is a dead end.

"Following a verbal altercation one of the assailants made threats.

"Armed policeman are currently searching the local area for the alleged gun men."

Police tweeted: "You may be aware of officers in Burdock Road #Basildon – they're on scene as we received reports that a firearm had been seen in the area. We’ll keep everyone updated on the incident."