ESSEX Police were called to the town centre area of Harlow after reports that a man had been seen with a firearm.

The police helicopter and a large number of officers in cars and on foot searched the area.

An Essex Police spokesperson said: “We were called just before 1.15pm today, Thursday 9 July, with a report that a man had been seen with what was believed to be a firearm in Terminus Street, Harlow.

“We attended the scene and carried out a search of the area, the man was located but he did not have a firearm.

“Enquires are ongoing”.