Essex Police have issued an update after a "man was seen running with a machete" in Southend.

A large number of officers rushed to Southchurch Road, in Southend, after reports of a "man being seen with a weapon".

The force says the incident was reported shortly after 8.15pm last night.

Once quickly on the scene, a number of officers carried out a large-scale search.

However, despite that large search, no one carrying a weapon or matching the description of the man given to officers was located.

No victims of any incident was identified either.

A strong policing presence remained in the area last night following the reports and search.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We have been responding to a report of a man being seen with a weapon in Southchurch Road, Southend.

"The incident was reported to us shortly after 8.15pm tonight, Wednesday 18 September.

"A large number of officers quickly arrived at the scene and carried out a large-scale search. Despite that large search, no one carrying a weapon or matching the description of the man given to us was located.

"We appreciate the large response will have caused our community significant concern.

"Should anyone have any concerns, please speak to those officers; they are there to help.

"If you see any incident or if you need to report any suspicious behaviour, please get in contact by calling 999 in an emergency or use our 24-hour live chat service or call 101 for non-emergency matters."