A BUSY train to Southend was held for 20 minutes while police responded to reports of a man "threatening a woman with a knife" 

The Greater Anglia service to Southend Victoria from London Liverpool Street was stopped shortly after arriving at Shenfield station yesterday while police boarded the train. 

Reports on social media claim a woman was threatened with a knife by a man, who later made his escape. 

A British Transport Police spokesman said: "Officers were called to Shenfield railway station just before 12am on November 19 following reports of a man causing intentional alarm or distress to a woman on a train.

"Officers attended, however no trace of the man was found.

"Enquiries are ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 800 of 19 November."

No arrests have been made.