Violence from 'armed' men forces dispersal order

The dispersal order applied to the area within the black lines

Essex Police issued a dispersal order after reports of young people armed with weapons, officers said.

The force attended the High Street in Brentwood at about 18:40 BST on Thursday and the dispersal order expired at 06:00 on Friday.

The measures meant anyone suspected of committing anti-social behaviour could be ordered to leave the area or be arrested.

A 16-year-old boy was subsequently charged with possessing an offensive weapon and was due to appear at court at a later date.

No injuries were reported, police said.