Locals were shocked to see a large police presence in Beccles this afternoon. 

Officers were called to reports of a burglary in Rigbourne Hill at about 1.20pm on Tuesday.

Several eyewitnesses said armed police were seen around the town and reports circulated that children had been kept behind in their schools amid the incident.

Eastern Daily Press: Officers were called to a burglary in Rigbourne HillOfficers were called to a burglary in Rigbourne Hill (Image: James Weeds)

Suffolk police were initially unable to comment but later confirmed a firearm had been stolen in the burglary.

READ MORE: Armed police attend burglary in Rigbourne Hill, Beccles

Eastern Daily Press: Eyewitnesses said part of Castle Hill was also closedEyewitnesses said part of Castle Hill was also closed (Image: James Weeds)

A local businessman, who did not wish to be named, said Castle Hill had been closed by SET Beccles School.

Eastern Daily Press: The closure was reportedly in place in front of the SET Beccles SchoolThe closure was reportedly in place in front of the SET Beccles School (Image: James Weeds)

 

“I don’t know what happened, but it seemed quite serious," he explained. 

"Eight or nine police cars were here and the road was closed. I’ve never seen anything like it here.”

A Suffolk police spokesman confirmed there had been no reports of injuries and said nobody had been arrested yet.