A 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated offence after a stand-off with police.

Officers responded to calls at around 8.30pm yesterday evening from Station Road, Westcliff, of a man being threatening and abusive towards another resident.

After police arrived at the scene the man barricaded himself in his flat and made threats to harm himself and officers.

The road was closed and residents in the multi-occupancy premises were evacuated as a precaution while officers negotiated with the man.

Eventually, officers forced entry to the flat and arrested the man on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.

He is currently in custody for questioning.