There was a large police presence in Beccles this afternoon after a firearm was stolen in a burglary.

A Suffolk police spokesman confirmed officers were first called to Rigbourne Hill at 12.57pm in response to reports of "suspicious activity".

At around 1.20pm, they received a further call alerting them of a burglary in progress in the same street.

It was reported that a firearm had been stolen.

READ MORE: Large police presence at incident in Rigbourne Hill, Beccles

Officers including members of the Roads and Armed Response Team attended and a weapon was seized. 

Schools in the area were reported to have kept children behind while the incident was ongoing.

A local businessman, who did not wish to be named, said: "Eight or nine police cars were here and the road was closed.

"I’ve never seen anything like it here.”

The police spokesman said no injuries had been reported.

No arrests have been made at this time but police continue to investigate.