ARMED police were deployed in Maldon High Street Saturday night after reports a woman was approached by three men with a handgun.
Essex Police were called to the High Street East car park in Edward Bright Close after a man was seen in possession of what appeared to be a firearm.
The incident was reported at 6pm on Saturday after the victim said the men tried to talk to her as she left the car park in her vehicle.
One of the offenders tapped on the window of the car, but the woman drove off immediately.
She later told police one of the men was holding a silver object that looked like a handgun.
Inspector Chris Kilgallen said: "It has not been confirmed that it was a firearm that was seen.
"We are therefore appealing for anyone with any information who can assist us in determining what has actually occurred here."
The man who tapped on her window was said to be between 20 to 25 years old, with short hair and a silver earring. He was wearing a grey hooded top.
Another male of a similar age was wearing a stripy top while the third man was thick-set wearing a blue top or shirt.
Extensive searches were carried out by local officers, armed units and the police helicopter but there was no trace of the men or weapon.
Anyone with any information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
