OFFICERS investigating a firearm incident at a Thurrock retail park have charged a man.

Police were called to Weston Avenue, Thurrock, at around 2.45pm on Tuesday, 13 September following a report of a man holding an item described as a firearm. 

Rio Burton-Devine, 23, of no fixed address, London, was scheduled to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court today (Saturday, 17 September) to answer a charge of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence in connection with the incident.

Burton-Devine was further charged with possession of drugs (cannabis).

Officers investigating continue to appeal for witnesses and dash cam footage from anyone who was in the area at the time.

A statement says: "If you were in the area at the time and have dash cam, please check it to see if you have captured anything that may help the investigation. If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can also use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am and 9pm. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

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"Please quote crime 42/236563/22 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible."