ARMED police officers were deployed and caught two suspects fleeing a property in Basildon.

Shortly before 3.50pm on Thursday, 13 March, Essex Police force call handlers received a report of a knifepoint robbery in the area of Stokefelde.

A statement from the force says: "We were told the victim, a teenage boy, had been approached by two other teenage boys armed with a knife, who proceeded to beat him before stealing his coat, bank cards and bicycle.

"The blade was described as 1ft in length.

"While our call handlers took a further description of the suspects, the stolen bike and the location, response officers were put on alert.

"They were with the victim within two minutes.

"Making fast-paced enquiries, officers established the bike had been abandoned nearby, and this was recovered.

"Suspects were spotted entering an address in the area and armed officers surrounded the property.

"Two teenage boys attempted to flee through a rear garden and were immediately detained.

 "One was found to be wearing a coat believed to have been stolen from the victim.

"Two teenage boys remain in custody for questioning on suspicion of robbery."

Chief Inspector Jennifer Bliss, head of the Force Support Unit, said: "This is the level of response the public in Essex can expect when we're called to an incident involving knives or other weapons.

"It's treated extremely seriously, and rightly so.

"Protecting the public from knife crime and targeting those suspected of engaging in serious offending like robbery is a priority across the force.

"My armed officers are trained professionals, dedicated to eliminating threats in a controlled manner, and they're on patrol across the county day and night.

"They are there to support the frontline officers.

"This is why you can expect to see such a swift response when we're told about incidents like this."