A WOMAN has been arrested after police seized what is thought to be an imitation gun following an assault.

Emergency services rushed to the incident in Long Riding, in Basildon at 10.45pm on Wednesday night.

A man suffered a cut to his head during the incident.

A number of rumours were circulating on social media site Facebook about a suspected shooting in the street but police bosses have moved to allay those fears, saying no shooting took place.

Councillors said they believe the incident is likely to worry residents living nearby the scene.

Andrew Buxton, Labour councillor for St Martin’s, said: “It caused quite a lot of commotion in the community.

“I saw people posting about the incident on social media.

“I think this is very worrying for something like this to happen in this area. I also think it’s very scary that someone is using an imitation gun and it’s also scary for police attending to the incident as the don’t know if it’s a real gun.

“I suppose residents may be feeling concerned about going out at night but I really hope it doesn’t put people off from going out.

“I think it’s natural for people to feel concerned and worried after the incident.”

A spokesman for Essex Police: “We were called at around 10.45pm on Wednesday, January 16, to Long Riding, Basildon, in response to a woman suggesting that she had been assaulted in an incident possibly involving a knife.

“We attended the scene and the circumstances confronting police on arrival led to the arrest of the woman on suspicion of possession of firearms offences and assault and she remains in custody.

“We seized what is suspected to be an imitation firearm.

“A man suffered a cut to his head and did not require hospital treatment. He is assisting us with our enquiries.”