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Armed officers have arrested two people in Southend as part of our response to an incident in Shoebury on Friday 11 October.
During that incident, it was reported that two people were in a vehicle, one of whom was seen with a firearm.
Officers attended that incident but despite a widespread search, no suspects were located.
Throughout today, Saturday 12 October, officers have made significant progress in their investigation, which led to the arrests this afternoon in Southend.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Hooper said:
“We appreciate the policing presence in the area this afternoon will have caused concern. This was not a live incident, and our assessment was – and remains – that there was no threat to anyone in the area.
“A man and a woman have been arrested and will be questioned on suspicion of firearm offences.”
Chief Supt Hooper added:
“The incident reported to us yesterday remains under investigation and the victims in that case were not injured but understandably shaken. At this stage, we are able to say that our current belief is that the incident in Shoebury was contained and took place between people known to each other.
“I know there might be natural concerns, given previous reports in the city over the last months but I do want our community to know that this incident is not connected to them in any way.
“At no stage were any wider members of the public under any threat.”
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