Two weapons have been seized from a 16-year-old boy in Hadleigh after patrols were stepped up to deal with anti-social behaviour..

Police received a call at around 5.30pm on Monday, April 30, about nuisance youths in John Burrows Park, in New Road, before stopping a group.

Officers then searched a 16-year-old boy and he was found to be in possession of a knuckle duster and an extendable baton.

He was issued with a caution and will be required to work with the youth offending team.

The weapons have been seized.

Castle Point and Rochford’s Community Policing Team has increased patrols using both uniformed and plain clothes officers following increased reports of anti-social behaviour in Benfleet and Hadleigh areas.

This follows reports of intimidating behaviour towards staff at McDonalds, Morrisons and the Hadleigh Training Centre and criminal damage to cricket screens at Hadleigh and Thundersley Cricket Club.

Sgt Ian Risden said: “We have been made aware of concerns about anti-social behaviour in both towns and we have been carrying out regular patrols to deal with this behaviour.

“We are particularly focussing on areas in and around parks and other meeting points across. If groups of people are believed to be creating a nuisance, we will use our powers to stop and search them.

“We often rely on the community’s vigilance and we urge people to report any anti-social behaviour to us on 101 or online by visiting www.essex.police.uk.

"We would also encourage you to approach us in the community, be it reporting a crime or a simple hello.”