Boy, 16, in custody over attempted murder

The teenager is in custody on suspicion of an attempted murder in Shoebury in May

A 16-year-old boy is in police custody in connection with an attempted murder.

Essex Police officers were called to Southend High Street at about19:00 BST on Friday, to reports of a fight involving a group of boys, with one in possession of a knife.

An off-duty Metropolitan Police officer had detained the suspect and a knife was recovered from a nearby bin.

The teenager was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and possession of a class B or C drug, and also on suspicion of attempted murder, in Chapel Road, Shoebury, on 19 May.

District commander for Southend, Ch Insp Jo Collins, said: “I would like to commend the actions of the off duty Metropolitan Police Officer, who ran towards an individual suspected of holding a knife in order to protect the safety of the wider public.

“This bravery is admirable and demonstrates the courage that police officers across the country show every day."

She said police would continue to investigate the Shoebury attack.