A brave street ranger helped police detain and handcuff two people who were charged with possessing a 12-inch knife.

The Southend Business Improvement District (Bid) Street Ranger team was patrolling the area when they saw police were attempting to arrest two people between Whitegate Road and Chichester Road on Tuesday, October 10 at around 4.20pm.

A statement from Southend Bid read: “The Street Ranger team have, for the second time, recovered a dangerous weapon from within the Bid area.

“A Street Ranger assisted with this and in detaining and handcuffing both individuals. The Street Rangers were then informed that the male had discarded an item by throwing it on the floor. On searching the area, they found the item to be a 12-inch knife.

“The police were then informed, the item was removed and an arrest was secured.”

John Lamb, leader of Southend Council, highly commended the Street Ranger team for their bravery.

He said: “I am really pleased our Street Rangers have done a tremendous job in keeping our borough safe.

“I want to especially commend the Street Ranger who helped police detain the suspects, they put their lives on the line to protect the community.

“They deserve all the kudos for supporting all our police.

“I believe more power should be given to Street Rangers. For example, if there is a suspect they should have the power to detain them before police arrive. Police can’t be everywhere.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “An 18-year-old woman was arrested in Whitegate Road, Southend at around 4.20pm on Tuesday, October 10. A 24-year-old man was arrested in Chichester Road, Southend at around 4.25pm on the same day.

"Connor Wheeler, 24, of no fixed address, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon. Cerease Bell, 18, of Bournemouth Park Road, Southend has been charged with resisting a constable in execution of their duty.

“They are both due to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, October 26.”

Southend Bid were contacted for a comment but they declined to provide one.