A MAN using multiple items as weapons attacked eight people in Southend during an "extremely unpleasant" incident.

Police received several calls yesterday evening reporting a man who had been using a number of items as weapons who assaulted multiple people in the Earls Hall Parade and Victoria Avenue areas of Prittlewell.

Those who were attacked sustained cuts and bruising, but thankfully no injuries are life-threatening or life-changing, police have confirmed.

However, the victims are shaken from the incident and are being supported by specialist police officers.

Officers were on the scene within minutes and after a coordinated search of the area, a man was identified and arrested.

A 40-year-old man is being arrested on suspicion of GBH and assaulting an emergency worker.

He was taken into custody. Police are also engaged with mental health services on the man’s current situation.

Detective Inspector Steve Franklin, of Southend CID, said: “This incident will have been extremely unpleasant to have been involved in and witnessed and we thank the numerous members of the public who alerted us to it.

“Thankfully, we were able to get a significant number of officers to the scene extremely quickly and a man was arrested.

“Whilst we’re clearly progressing a criminal investigation, we are also remaining in very close liaison with mental health services at this time. At this stage, we’re satisfied any threat being posed yesterday has been dealt with.

“As a result of numerous members of the public coming forward, our investigation is progressing at pace today but I would continue to appeal to anyone who has information on the incident to please come forward and speak to us.”

Anyone with information should contact police at essex.police.uk or by calling the force on 101.