A MAN from Wickford is among the first in the UK to be charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a private place after specialist officers executed a warrant in Wickford.

The Offensive Weapons Act - which now makes it an offence to have a weapon in a private place as well as a public place – came into law just 25 hours before officers secured permission for the charge.

During the search of a house in Riverside Place on Thursday, 15 July, specialist officers seized a large quantity of cash and drugs as well as a number of weapons.

In a further search of a car parked nearby, officers also found additional amounts of drugs and cash.

As part of the investigation, officers seized more than £200,000 in cash, about 4kg of cocaine and a number of ounces of cannabis.

Luke Connor, 28, of Riverside Place, in Wickford, has been charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession with intent to supply cannabis, acquiring, using or possessing criminal property and two counts of possession of offensive weapon in a private place.