A police incident closed off part of Retort Close in Southend this afternoon.

Police were called just before 2pm following concerns from members of the public about the safety of a man in one of the flats.

Several police cars, ambulances and the police helicopter were in attendance near to the junction with Victoria Road.

Emergency services are believed to have closed off the road at around 3.15pm.

A cordon was set up around Retort Close, Jetty Mews and part of Victoria Road. People are were not being allowed into their homes nearby. 

After a tense five-hour standoff with police it is believed a man was arrested. 

Shortly after 7pm, police entered a property in Retort Close and took a man away from the area.