A TEENAGER was arrested following reports he was carrying a blade in a busy shopping centre.

Police were called to the Eastgate Centre, in Basildon town centre, just after 4pm today after they were given a tip-off about the weapon.

A 16 year-old from Tilbury was arrested at the scene on suspicion of having a knife as an offensive weapon.

Rumours began circulating on social media a fight had broken out in the shopping centre, but it is not thought the teenager used the weapon.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We were called to the Eastgate Centre in Basildon following reports that a youth was in possession of a knife.

"A 16 year-old from Tilbury was arrested on suspicion of having a knife as an offensive weapon."