A police officer was injured while attempting to make an arrest, but police bosses have insisted nobody was stabbed.
Concerns were raised on social media after neighbours had spotted the officer sitting wounded against a wall on Elm Road, near Shoebury Park, last night (March 23).
Witnesses reported seeing dozens of police cars and vans, while a police helicopter was seen circling overhead around 8pm.
Southend Chief Inspector Ian Hughes has now confirmed an officer received an injury to his arm following an arrest attempt, before going for an X-ray.
However, Mr Hughes has assured no knife was involved in the attack.
At this stage, it is unknown whether the arrest was successful and what caused the officers injury.
Hearing a police officer was stabbed at Shoebury park tonight, really hope they are ok 1st and foremost. My son was in the park 3 hours ago.I grew up in London when knife crime was common,I fear the same will happen in Southend😢. @MartinTerryIND @ChiefInspHughes @YourSouthchurch
— Southend Manor FC EJA U15 (2020/21) (@manor_eja) March 23, 2021
Mr Hughes, replied: "I can confirm that an officer received an injury to his arm following an arrest attempt however the officer has gone for an X-ray on his arm and no knife was involved.
"Thank you for the well wishes, I will ensure they are passed on to him."
Essex Police and the ambulance service have been contacted for comment.
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