Police have made arrests after a man was allegedly seen carrying a gun near a Tesco store in Hornchurch.

Metropolitan Police was called at around 1.35pm today (October 31) to reports of the incident in the vicinity of Airfield Way.

Police and armed officers attended but the suspect had fled in a car, according to the Met.

A spokesperson for the force said that a man was later traced in Crystal Avenue and arrested on suspicion of possessing a gun.

Two other men, they added, were also arrested on suspicion of assault. All of them now remain in custody.

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Social media users claimed seeing police in the vicinity of the Tesco store.

One woman said: “When I came out there was police and tape everywhere. Said we couldn’t leave the car park until scene of crime officers check evidence.”

Another added that she saw armed police in Alma Avenue and a friend told her that they had a man pinned against the wall.

The Met Police spokesperson clarified that no shooting had taken place and no serious injuries were sustained by anyone.

One social media user further suggested that while the Tesco store is open, the car park has been shut for forensics but this is yet to be confirmed.

The Recorder has contacted Tesco for comment.