ESSEX Police have reported on a week of action that brought the arrest of 21 people as officers targeted criminals using the region's rail network, and in places where the force or the community have identified concerns.

The action was part of the national Operation Sceptre week and specialists drugs officers from the Essex force's Operation Raptor team led the way.

They arrested eight people on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs, and seized £15,000 in cash and 800 wraps of crack and heroin.

Overall, with pro-active action taking place near rail stations, 21 people were arrested and in five of those cases, police recovered knives while carrying out stop and searches. In total, 46 knives were seized during the week including some discovered as officers searched potential hiding spots using by criminals to conceal weapons.

Detective Chief Inspector Lewis Basford said: "These are just some of the results we're getting every single week from our ongoing efforts to target criminals involved in knife and drugs crime.

"Officers are out every day on patrol, carrying out drugs warrants, and gathering information and evidence against offenders.

As well as the discovery of weapons and drugs, there is a pro-active side to the police operation with the police reporting they are also working closely with other organisations to make sure vulnerable people and children who are exploited by criminals receive the necessary support and safeguarding.

DCI Basford said: "If we can intervene at the earliest opportunity we can prevent people from being harmed and help young people steer away from crime."

"The Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit, a multi-agency partnership that also includes the Office for the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Youth Offending Service, Probation Service, councils and health service.

"It carries out joint operations, interventions, awareness and education programmes to support young people who are being, or at risk of being, exploited and involved in crime."