A MAN had to be tasered by police after a three-hour stand-off inside a pub.

The 45-year-old man was left cornered inside the Pullman pub, in High Street, Grays, after running away from officers who tried to detain him under the Mental Health Act.

Police were first called to Grays railway station on Wednesday night following reports of concern about a man’s welfare.

However, officers struggled to detain him and called for back-up.

The man managed to run away from the officers to the pub, where he told terrified staff and customers he had a gun.

Police managed to get staff and customers out of the pub and the man was left inside on his own.

During a tense three-hour stand-off police negotiators were called in to try and talk the man into coming out.

A cordon was put up while officers tried to reason with the man and armed police were also called to the scene.

Armed police stormed the pub at around 9pm and were forced to taser the man.

He was arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill and criminal damage and remains in custody where he is still being questioned by police.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: “Everyone inside the pub left with the assistance of local officers and the man was in the premises alone.

“A police cordon was put in around the pub and firearms officers were in attendance.

“Officers were extremely concerned for the man’s welfare and a police negotiator was on scene.”

Yesterday morning in the aftermath of the incident the pub remained cordoned off while police continued to search the premises.

No one from the Pullman pub was available for comment.