A handgun has been seized by police and five men were arrested in Ilford town centre last night.

Police have said that a call was received just before 6pm, reporting a person or people in possession of a firearm in Thompson Close.

Five men are now in custody in an east London police station.It is not yet known if the firearm is genuine.

There has been no suggestion that shots were fired.

A car was also seized by police officers.

More to follow.