Gunfire heard in the Lowestoft area was part of a training exercise, police have assured the public.

Loud gunshots could be heard in the area surrounding Pleasurewood Hills and on the Gunton Cliffs beach at around 2pm on Tuesday, while many also spotted a police helicopter in use.

However, police have since confirmed that there is no reason to be alarmed, and that it was part of a pre-planned nationwide exercise.

A Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said: 'A training exercise to test the response of police and other partners is being held today at Pleasurewood Hills at Lowestoft (Tuesday, November 28).

'This is part of a pre-planned training exercise to test our response to a major incident.

'There is no risk to staff or the public and is not in response to any specific threat. This is one of a number of pre-planned exercises organised around the country to test and strengthen responses to a major incident.'