Officers searching Southend as part of Op Sceptre have today found a knife that has been modified to allow for a better grip.

A team consisting of officers from Southend’s Community Policing Team, Special Constables and Active Citizens searched an area that included The Forum and Quantock Flats.

They also searched three blocks of flats in Coleman Street.

The knife, which had tape around its handle, has been seized and will be destroyed.

The searches come 24 hours after a knife arch operation at Southend Central train station yesterday in partnership with British Transport Police.

Uniformed and plain clothes officers worked to identify anyone actively avoiding the arch.

Although no weapons were found, there were lots of positive comments from members of the public and c2c staff.