A MAN alleged to have brandished a hammer and threatened people with an imitation firearm has been charged and appeared before a court. 

Police responded on Sunday, 12 November to reports a man had caused damage to property at an address in Godman Road, Chadwell St Mary shortly before 12.45pm.

He damaged a glass window with a hammer at the address, before leaving the scene and returning about 45 minutes later.

Further damage was caused to a window with paint. Witnesses reported seeing the individual brandishing a black BB gun. 

Specialist firearms officers arrived and made an arrest, further recovering a knife and a knuckle duster.

Connor Aylett, 30, of Godman Road has since been charged with harassment, two counts of criminal damage, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, two counts of possessing an imitation firearm and possessing a bladed article in a public place.

He appeared at Southend Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 14 November, where he was remanded in custody until a hearing at Basildon Crown Court on 12 December.