SIX people remained in police custody this afternoon (Sunday, 12 September) as details emerged of yesterday's fracas in East Tilbury which saw an armed police response to a disturbance in the heart of the community.

Thurrock Nub News reported yesterday as the drama unfolded outside the Dickens Social Club and Boxing Club to the rear of Stanford House with armed officers and police dogs being rushed to scene.

Today an Essex Police spokesperson said: "We were contacted at just after 4pm on Saturday, 11 September following reports of a weapon being seen at a location in Princess Avenue, East Tilbury.

"Armed officers attended the scene but, after a thorough search of the location and surrounding area, they found no trace of any weapons and therefore no related offences.

"However, while officers were at the scene a fight broke out involving a number of men. Officers swiftly intervened and arrested six men.

"Five men were arrested for affray including: two from Grays aged 27 and 35, two men from Kent aged 38 and 35 and a 33-year-old man from Stanford-le-Hope. A sixth man, a 31-year-old from Grays, was arrested on suspicion of common assault.

"All six remain in custody."