POLICE are investigating a late night incident close to a borough pub in Grays which reportedly involved the use of weapons - with witnesses saying knives and a machete were in use.

The incident happened near the Bull pub on Dock Road in east Grays.

A statement from Essex Police says: "We're investigating reports of a disturbance which took place in Dock Road, Grays.

"We received a number of calls at 11.40pm last night, Tuesday 23 June.

"All reported people fighting, with some stating that some were armed with weapons.

"Officers quickly arrived but could not find anyone who had been involved. A number of vehicles, however, had been damaged.

"At this stage, no one has come forward to present as a victim and no arrests have been made.

"We're working to build a full picture of the circumstances around the reports and we're following a number of targeted lines of enquiry."

Management at the Bull have apologised for the incident:

Chief Inspector Danny Barnes, Thurrock district commander, said: "We had numerous reports relating to this incident and we are aware there is information circulating on social media.

"We need people to come forward to speak directly to us to tell us what they know. The public are our eyes and ears and we need to work together so that we can establish all the facts in this incident and take the appropriate action."

If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us. Please quote incident 1716 of 23 June.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."

Police also continue to investigate a second overnight incident outside another borough pub after a man was injured in a confrontation in King Street, Stanford-le-Hope outside the Railway Tavern.