EMERGENCY services have been clearing out a house after chemicals related to drug activity were found.

Residents described seeing a major police presence in Colchester Road, Elmstead Market, on Thursday afternoon.

About 20 police cars, both marked and unmarked, were seen parked outside a house.

The emergency services were still at the address on Friday.

A police spokesman said the chemicals were being cleared out of the house and there is no risk to the further community.

They said: “Detectives, assisted by firearms officers, executed a warrant at an address in Colchester Road, Elmstead, around 4pm on Thursday.

“During the search officers found chemicals, believed to be linked to drug activity.

“We are working with other emergency services to ensure the safe removal of the chemicals from the address.”

A man has since been arrested.

The spokesman added: “A 49-year-old man from Elmstead has been arrested and remains in police custody.

“Emergency services do not believe there is any safety risk to members of the public.”

Braintree and Witham Times:

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they attended the incident but a spokesman said he was unable to comment further on the police-led investigation.

The East of England Ambulance Service was also at the scene but declined to comment.

Residents reported seeing drones in the area and a dog unit a couple of days leading up to the raid.

One passerby said: “I just drove past and saw about two fire engines, about three rapid response vehicles and ambulances.

“There were loads of units cramming up the driveway, it looked really bad.

“I wondered what was going on.

“I didn’t see anything carried out by the emergency services but it looks really bad.

“It sounds like something from Breaking Bad.”