Armed police sent to Hatfield Broad Oak in response to 'man using gun on public footpath'

Armed officers were among police who swooped on Hatfield Broad Oak at lunchtime on Friday in response to fears of a gunman.

The focus of attention of the officers from Essex Police was near the village hall in Cage End.

A spokeswoman for the force said: "We were called around 1.30pm today (Friday 19 February) after concerns were raised that a man was using a gun on a public footpath within a field in Hatfield Broad Oak.

"Officers arrived and it was established that the man was using an air rifle on private land.

"No offences had been committed."