Eight people hurt by 'man using items as weapons'

The incidents were reported near Earls Hall Parade and Victoria Avenue, in Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea

Eight people have been injured after a man using "a number of items as weapons" assaulted them, police said.

The incidents, in the Prittlewell area of Southend-on-Sea, were reported to Essex Police on Tuesday evening.

The "shaken" victims suffered cuts and bruising but their injuries were not believed to be life-changing.

A 40-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and assaulting an emergency worker, remained in custody, police added.

The incidents were reported in the area surrounding Earls Hall Parade and Victoria Avenue.

Police said officers had been working alongside mental health services during their initial inquiries.

"This incident will have been extremely unpleasant to have been involved in and witness," Det Insp Steve Franklin said.

"Thankfully, we were able to get a significant number of officers to the scene extremely quickly and a man was arrested."

The officer said he did not believe there was any ongoing threat to the public.