IN the wake of rising community concerns and recent reports of violent incidents in Grays town centre police have reported on the arrest of a violent teenager.

In a statement Thurrock's Neighbourhood policing team say: "We're happy to report a significant arrest in connection with recent violent incidents.

"On Thursday, 9 October, officers responded swiftly to reports of a man threatening store staff with a machete in Grays High Street. An 18-year-old man from Purfleet was arrested at the scene on suspicion of robbery and possession of Class B drugs.

"The man was later found to be linked to two robberies involving weapons and drug offences, alleged to have been committed just days earlier. 

"Following a thorough investigation, he was charged with multiple offences and remanded, including:

• - Robbery
• - Possession of an offensive weapon
• - Possession of cannabis
• - Attempted GBH
• - Threatening with a bladed article."

At Chelmsford Magistrates' Court, the 18-year-old was kept on remand until his next court appearance on Monday, 3 November.

Police added: "We remain committed to tackling violence and criminal behaviour in across Thurrock.

"Our teams will continue working hard to keep our communities safe for everyone who lives, works, and visits here."