Here is why police helicopter was spotted circling around Basildon

Robbery - Whitmore Way, Basildon Image: Essex Police (Image: Google Maps) ARMED police descended on Basildon after a gang attempted to rob a man at knifepoint. A police helicopter was spotted circling above the town on Monday night after the man fled his attackers and took shelter at Basildon police station.

The victim told officers that a gang of men threatened him at knife point in Whitmore Way, at roughly 6.30pm, demanding he hand over his phone. Officers, including armed police, attended the area and arrested three men on suspicion of attempted robbery. The victim was not harmed in the incident, but has been left shaken after the knifepoint threats.

Chief Insp Daniel McHugh, who is also Basildon district commander, has urged witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. He said: "Thankfully this victim was not harmed and did not have anything stolen, but this was a concerning incident for the local community who may have noticed an increased police presence in the area yesterday evening. "Officers carried out a number of enquiries in the area including stop and searches of those we believed fit the suspect description.

"We have arrested three men in connection with this investigation who remain in custody. "We appeal to anyone who may have witnessed anything in the area or have any information which could assist with this investigation to contact us." All three of the men arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery remain in custody.

Shocked residents took to social media on Monday evening after spotting armed police in Whitmore Way and seeing a police helicopter circle above the town. Andrew Baggott, Conservative councillor and leader of Basildon Council, said: "It is concerning to hear this as we don't want to have people in the street armed terrorising people. "Yet again the police responded and stepped up to the plate with their job, and the wrong doers have been nicked which is what we want to see.

"We should be commending the police force for the speed of that they went through and the success of the operation.

"And more importantly they completed the operation without any harm to anyone.

"I hope the victim is ok, and anyone with information should come forward to the police."