POLICE officers have arrested a 19-year-old after reports of a man making threats with a knife in public in Basildon.

An alert was raised at around 2.30pm on Tuesday, 22 April about a man threatening others with a knife in the area of Ballards Walk.

A police statement adds: "It was further reported that, as the suspect fled the scene, he kicked out at a buggy carrying a child. 

 "The child, thankfully, did not sustain serious injuries but was taken to hospital for further checks.

"Following a rapid search of the area and enquiries by our investigators, the 19-year-old man from Basildon was identified and arrested on suspicion of common assault, causing actual bodily harm, and possession of an offensive weapon.

"He remains in custody while our enquiries continue."

Detective Sergeant Steve Tilley, of Basildon CID, said: "We understand how frightening this kind of incident can be, and the work of our officers is ongoing to interview this suspect and build this case.

"I am glad to say these kind of incidents are rare in Basildon, but even one is one too many and we are working hard to prevent further incidents of knife-related crimes and make sure those offending face justice before the courts.

"The victims in this case continue to be supported by our officers. If anyone has any further information about this incident, we still need to hear from you.

"If you have any information to share with officers about this incident, please get in touch with incident number 648 of Tuesday 24 April.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."