A man on licence for attempted murder has been sent back to jail after being arrested for drug and weapon offences in Basildon.

Essex Police were called to reports of a man seen with a weapon in Butneys, Basildon, near Ghyllgrove Primary School, at around 3pm on Monday afternoon.

The suspect was reportedly seen leaving the scene via Neville Shaw a short time later.

Officers attended the scene and arrested 37-year-old Steven Kadima on suspicion of possessing a Class A drug and possession of a bladed article.

It was later found that Kadima had been released from prison on licence in November 2023, having previously been sentenced to 17 years for attempted murder.

Kadima, of Plumberow in Basildon, was charged with possession of a Class A drug and possession of a bladed article.

He appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court yesterday and pleaded guilty to both offences.

Kadima has now been returned to prison for breaching the terms of his licence, as well as being sentenced to six months for the knife and drug offences.

Insp Michael Peterson said: “Kadima was still serving a sentence for the most serious of crimes when he carried a knife in our community.

“We won’t tolerate criminals carrying weapons or bringing harmful drugs into our county. Kadima has rightfully been returned to prison.”

At the time of the incident, parents took to social media over a police presence in the area near Ghyllgrove Primary School.

The school also reportedly sent a message to parents stating: "We have been made aware of an incident in the Co-op. 

"Our priority will always be to keep the children safe. If we receive any further updates we will keep you updated."