A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with an attempted murder in Shoebury in May.

The boy was arrested yesterday following support from an off duty police officer.

Officers were called to Southend High Street at around 7pm on Friday June 28 following reports of a fight involving a group of boys.

Prior to Essex Police arrival and following information that a boy in the group may be in possession of a knife, an off-duty Metropolitan Police Service Officer pursued the boy on foot and managed to detain the suspect.

When Essex Police officers arrived, the 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and possession of a class B or C drug.

He was also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, in connection with a serious assault Chapel Road in Shoebury on 19 May. 

Searches in a nearby bin also resulted in a recovery of a knife.

District Commander for Southend, Chief Inspector Jo Collins said “I would like to commend the actions of the off duty Metropolitan Police Officer, who ran towards an individual suspected of holding a knife in order to protect the safety of the wider public.

“This bravery is admirable and demonstrates the courage that police officers across the country show every day.

“The serious assault at Capel Road in Shoebury on 19 May caused a large amount of community concern and detectives in our Criminal Investigation Department will continue to investigate thoroughly following this arrest.”