Residents have been evacuated from their homes after police firearms and explosive officers were called to an address in Rainham.
London Ambulance Service called police to a residential address in Plough Court, Broadis Way, at 2.13pm today in response to reports of a man threatening to shoot himself.
Officers from the Firearms Command and Explosive Officers were called along with the London Fire Brigade.
One man has been detained under the mental health.
As a precaution police have evacuated some residents and asked others to stay inside with windows and blinds drawn.
Residents of Snowdrop and Bluebell Court have been asked to make their way to South Street Community Centre for their own safety.
All local residents of Broadis Way have been told to stay away from windows which face Plough Court and to keep the curtains or blinds shut for safety.
A cordon remains in place as enquiries continue.
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