A MAN spotted "with a sword" in Essex saw police called into action... only for officers to find out he was on his way to a fancy dress party.

Essex Police’s Operational Support Group (OSG) was on patrol throughout Essex on Friday, supporting teams from across the force.

During the shift the specialist officers were made aware of concerns regarding a man who had reportedly been seen brandishing a sword.

Thankfully, however, the potentially serious situation turned out to be not all it seemed.

A spokesman for the police said: “Once he had been located, it was established he was on his way to a fancy dress part.

“But we will always check out incidents of this nature and are happy that it was a call made in good faith.”

Elsewhere, the team also assisted with finding a missing person, made two arrests, one in connection with an attempted GBH and another in relation to an assault, and seized two vehicles.

Two vehicles were also seized after the drivers were found with no insurance.

Chief Inspector Anna Granger said: “Yesterday’s activity shows the variety of work the team carries out each and every day. 

“For every arrest, a victim has been safeguarded.

“Proactively patrolling the county gives OSG officers the ability to safeguard our communities, identify and arrest offenders and focus on the issues that matter most to the public.

“The officers are dedicated to supporting other teams across the force keeping you and our roads safe and we will be out again today, tackling crime.”