A 38-year-old man is being questioned by police following reports of threats to service station staff with a "bladed weapon".
The disturbance happened in Tiptree this morning (Saturday, January 10) just after 7am at the Shell Service Station in Maypole Road.
Officers attended after reports a man at the location was making threats and the man, from Tiptree, is being questioned at a local police station.
The man was said to have been armed with some kind of bladed weapon, causing staff and members of the public to be concerned.
Armed officers were sent to the scene and made an arrest in the local area just before 8am with enquiries continuing.
The service garage and three locations in Tiptree have been cordoned off whilst these enquiries continue.
Essex police say that this appears to be an isolated incident and no one else is suspected to be involved at this stage.
Chief Inspector Denise Morrissey said: "A man has been arrested. No firearms were seen.
"I would like to thank the public for their assistance whilst our enquiries continue.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or can provide any further information is asked to contact Colchester CID on Essex Police 101.
People can also give information to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via an Anonymous Online Form at
