A 14-year-old boy is due in court today after armed officers were called to Southend seafront amid reports of a person being armed with a machete. 

The boy, from Westcliff, who cannot be named by law, was arrested yesterday.

After an extensive search, a "large knife" was found but police believe another knife is unaccounted for. 

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We were called yesterday afternoon Wednesday, May 15, with reports that someone was on Station Road, Westcliff with what was described as a machete.

"Officers arrived and arrested the teenager and after searching the area found a large knife on Western Esplanade.

"However officers believe there is another knife outstanding and are continuing their search."

The boy has charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.