A MAN has been charged with the possession of an offensive weapon and class B drugs.

A man was initially found asleep at Shoebury station yesterday morning.

When he was searched, British Transport Police offiers then searched him.

A spokesman said officers then discovered a 36-year-old man was carrying a machete.

A spokesperson from the British Transport Police said: "A man has been charged after reports of a knife at Shoeburyness station, Southend.

"British Transport Police were called to the area at 8.50am on 3 November.

"They found a man asleep at the scene.

"They woke him up, and following enquiries, a knife was seized and a quantity of cannabis."

Frank Bartels, 36, of no fixed address, was due to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court, charged with possessing an offensive weapon and class B drugs.