Police have charged a man after multiple alarmed people reported seeing someone walking through Shoeburyness holding a sword.
The incident happened on Monday 17 November, when numerous 999 callers described a man moving around the area near the ASDA supermarket and surrounding parade of shops while carrying a large blade.
Officers were dispatched to the scene and arrived within minutes, swiftly detaining a suspect and recovering the weapon without further incident.
Police have now confirmed that 39-year-old Chris Fane, of Saxon Gardens in Shoebury, has been charged with possession of a bladed article in a public place and theft.
He is scheduled to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 19 November.
Inspector Sian Parry, of Southend Local Policing Team, said: “When we work together with the public, we can efficiently police our neighbourhoods and keep people safe. I’d like to personally thank everyone who called us and told us about the movements of a suspect, allowing us to make a swift arrest. Any calls to us relating to the possession or use of a knife will be treated with the level of urgency the public expect.”
The incident has renewed attention on how Essex Police approach knife crime across the county. The force works with the Violence and Vulnerability Unit, which brings together multiple agencies to focus on prevention as well as enforcement.
Their current tactics include:
- Referring young people involved in knife crime to ReRoute, a programme where specialist practitioners work closely with individuals to steer them away from offending.
- Delivering talks and sessions to thousands of young people in schools and colleges, raising awareness of risks and consequences.
- Using data to identify hotspots and target patrols and searches in areas linked to knife-related activity.
- Encouraging retailers to adopt safe and responsible knife-sale policies across Essex.
Police say this combined approach aims to reduce harm, intervene early and ensure officers are visible in communities where concerns are highest.