DRUGS and a weapon were recovered after a suspected drug dealer fled from police on Canvey.

A man riding a bicycle in Cedar Road appeared to be behaving suspiciously when the driver of a vehicle pulled up right beside him.

Officers from the Castle Point and Rochford Community Policing Team (CPT) were on the scene and approached the man to ask about what he was doing.

Before they could speak to the man, the cyclist fled the scene and police started to chase him.

After pursuing the cyclist from Cedar Road, the officers found the bike had been dumped - with an unknown quantity of drugs and a machete left beside it.

They were unable to catch the suspect after finding the bike.

Canvey Town councillor, Martin Tucker, who also lives in Cedar Road, was happy to hear the news that police had recovered the drugs and the weapon.

He said: “They have got these drugs off the streets.

“It means that hopefully this person will leave our kids alone for a while, unfortunately for us in this day and age, it is a regular problem.

“It is the knock on effect of crimes such as these.

“I would not say we have an any bigger drug problem in Cedar Road as the rest of Canvey, Castle Point and the rest of south Essex.

“It is a modern problem, one that needs tackling and if the police have the drugs off the street, then maybe it can help stop it.”

Following the incident on Saturday, Castle Point and Rochford CPT released a description of the man they would like to speak in connection with the incident.

A CPT spokesman, said: “The male was described as white, in his 20s, around 5’8” tall, slim build, fair short hair wearing a black hooded top and red trainers.”

It is suspected that the bicycle had been stolen by the man police are looking for.

If you have any information regarding the incident that took place in Cedar Road on Saturday, Essex Police ask that you contact Sergeant Jarvis on 101 or email CastlePointandRochfordCPT@essex.pnn.police.uk.

If you would like to give any information anonymously, you can report it at the charity, CrimeStoppers UK on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.