A teenager was arrested on suspicion of a gun offence after police swoop to skate park.

Worried residents reported seeing about 10 armed police at Canvey Skate Park, off Somnes Avenue, Canvey at about 4pm yesterday.

A number of island residents witnessed the incident and posted about it on social media.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We received reports two people had seen someone with what was reported to be a firearm at a skate park in Somnes Avenue, Canvey Island at around 4.40pm on Wednesday 3 July.

"We attended and arrested a 17 year-old boy on suspicion of affray and possession of firearms offences.

"He has since been released under investigation.

"We seized an item believed to be a gas powered gun."