Police officers fired Tasers and baton rounds during an armed siege in Colchester after a man allegedly shot at them and their vehicles.

Officers and mental health professionals went to an address in Dugard Avenue because of concerns about the welfare of a man there.

Chief Superintendent Luke Collison said after entering the property a “possible firearm” was seen and they withdrew.

They called for back-up, which included specialist firearms officers, and cordoned off and area of the road.

Ch Supt Collison added: “A suspected air weapon has been recovered and it is believed to have been discharged several times at police officers and police vehicles.

“Attempts were made to negotiate before firearms officers used taser and baton rounds to respond and bring the incident to a safe conclusion for all concerned.

“Considering the significant risk that officers faced I can only admire the considerable restraint used to resolve a situation that was in danger of escalating – with the potential for serious injury and harm.”

The incident reached a conclusion at around 6.30pm when the man, 43, was arrested and taken away by officers.