A CORDON is in place and police are on the scene of an incident at a popular Essex shopping centre.

There is a large police presence at the Eastgate shopping centre in Basildon this morning as a cordon has been set up.

Photos show police officers surrounding part of the shopping centre which appears to be curtained-off.

Braintree and Witham Times: Police officers surrounding a curtained-off part of the centrePolice officers surrounding a curtained-off part of the centre (Image: Newsquest)

Another police cordon has been put in place on an upper floor in the centre.

Currently, it is unknown what the incident is, or how serious it is.

Essex Police have been contacted for comment by the Echo and our reporter Matt Critchell is at the scene.

More to follow