POLICE were scouring the streets of Stanford-le-Hope on the ground and from the air this afternoon (Tuesday, 11 April) following an incident at a local store where staff were threatened with a firearm.

A number police vehicles and the force helicopter were deployed around 2pm in search of at least one suspect.

Rainbow Stores on Corringham Road was closed and police officers were present.

It reopened around 5pm.

Full details of the incident are not yet available and police have been asked to comment.

The police helicopter over Stanford.