ARMED police were called to a house in Brightlingsea this evening.

Officers received reports that a woman had been assaulted and the male suspect possibly had a firearm at about 5.10pm.

They carried out a search of the area on the ground and using the police helicopter.

Chapel Road was closed briefly near to the junction with Hurst Green.

A man was found in Point Clear Road, in St Osyth, at around 7.45pm and was arrested by firearms officers.

He was unarmed. 

The 47-year-old from the local area is being questioned by officers on suspicion of common assault and remains in police custody.