Armed police, paramedics and bomb disposal unit swamp Epping after man 'in crisis' makes threats

A MAN who suffered a mental health crisis sparked a huge emergency services response, including several armed police, a bomb disposal unit and paramedics.

The drama unfolded on Friday, August 4 2023, at about 4pm when there were concerns reported about the welfare of a man at an address in Chapel Road, Epping, in Essex.

There were also concerns about a suspicious object and threats made about damage to property.

Several police and NHS staff were seen on standby with incident response units outside the fire station in the High Street, while Chapel Road and part of St John's Road, north of Bakers Lane Car Park, were cordoned off by Essex Police.

Several officers with guns were seen in the area.

Neither NHS staff or police would say what was happening.

A resident said: "There were loads of police in the car park. I had no idea what was happening."

By about 8.30pm officers were seen leaving the area in several unmarked police cars.

An officer at the scene said the incident had passed safely and looked a lot more dramatic than it actually was.

During the incident residents were told to expect a heavy police presence for some time.

A force spokeswoman said on Friday: "Residents in Epping may be noticing an emergency services presence in the area this evening.

"This is following a concern for safety report that we received around 4pm this afternoon from an address in Chapel Road, Epping.

"Specialist officers are on scene and a cordon is in place in the area.

"We will provide further updates when we can."

On Sunday, the spokeswoman added: "We were called to Chapel Road in Epping at around 4pm on Friday, 4 August following the concern for safety of a man in a residential address.

Due to concerns around a suspicious item, there was a large emergency services response.

A 62-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of threats to cause criminal damage.

Officers remained at the scene until yesterday morning (5 August) at the scene accompanied by Explosive Ordnance Disposal and the location has been deemed safe.

It is understood the men had suffered a mental health episode.

She added: "He has been released on bail whilst enquiries continue and currently receiving a medical assessment."