SHOPPERS and passers by in Grays town centre were threatened by a man with a knife earlier today (Friday, 15 July)..

The incident happened at arround noon in the London Road area, close to Morrisons store and police rushed to the scne, arresting the man.

A statement from Essex Police says: "We were called to London Road in Grays shortly after 12pm this afternoon, following reports of a man in possession of a knife, making threats to members of the public.

"Officers were on scene within minutes and the man was detained and arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place."

An eye-witness told Thurrock Nub News: "It looked like he was carrying a big knife. Police put it into a tube in the boot of the police car. The man was held in cuffs and held by about five officers. "