A man has been arrested after allegedly being found with a hammer and a noxious substance.

Officers arrested the man shortly after 6pm last night after receiving reports of an individual acting suspiciously in Stagden Cross, Basildon.

The 22-year-old man was arrested in nearby Ravensfield.

He is still being questioned by police.

Anyone with information is asked to call Basildon police station quoting incident 1014 of 17/12.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.