A “MAN with a machete” was allegedly seen chasing a teenager down a busy road in broad daylight.

The teenager, who is estimated as having been between 12 and 14 years old, was said to have been pursued along Rectory Road, near the Costcutter, in Pitsea at about 4pm on Wednesday.

One shocked resident who saw the dramatic scene unfold claims the man was armed with “a great big machete”.

Essex Police has confirmed it has received reports of a man being seen with a knife.

The force has been unable to identify the suspect but is continuing its enquiries.

Sandra Quinn, 36, of Wickford Avenue, says onlookers gasped with fear as the boy raced for safety, hotly pursued by the unidentified man.

“He was waving the machete as he was running after the boy and screaming at him,” she said.

“It was the scariest thing I have ever seen in my life, I jumped in my car locked the doors and called the police.

“Everyone was so shocked that it was happening out in the open during the day like that, but thankfully the boy managed to get away.

“Then the man skulked off down a side road to get away.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We were called to Rectory Road in Pitsea following reports of a man being seen with a knife.

“Enquiries were carried out and the suspect was not identified. No description of the suspect was provided.”

“There is a fair bit of trouble around here with kids and gangs, but I’ve never seen anything like this,” Ms Quinn continued.

“I sometimes am scared for my children’s safety when they are out playing with friends or walking home from school,” the mother-of-two added.

Earlier this year, Basildon Council began to hire security guards from Southend-based firm South Essex Property Services (SESP) to patrol the town in response to surging crime.

The council has also put in place Public Spaces Protection Order, which came into force in April, and gives police and council officers extra powers to tackle anti-social behaviour.