The trial of a man accused of possessing an imitation firearm in Lowestoft will take place in October.

Ben De Vilder pleaded not guilty at a plea and trial preparation hearing at Ipswich Crown Court via a prison video link to possession of an imitation firearm, namely a handgun, with intent to cause fear of violence on June 14 this year.

He was charged after police, supported by armed officers from the Norfolk and Suffolk firearms training and operations unit, launched a manhunt in Lowestoft.

Police were contacted by a member of the public just before 12.30am on June 14, who claimed that someone had just pointed a gun at them. Officers arrested 23-year-old De Vilder, of Tonning Street, Lowestoft, at around 2am on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. De Vilder's trial will take place during a two-week period commencing October 9. He was granted conditional bail.