ARMED police were called to a seafront road after reports of a man wielding a machete in public. 

A teenager has been arrested.

Echo:

Due to the police operation, at about 3pm, Western Esplanade was closed to all traffic. 

Traffic has since been building all afternoon.

Boy, 14, charged after 'machete' is found on Southend seafront

A spokesperson from Essex Police said: “We received reports that a man was seen on Station Road, Westcliff with what was described as a machete, shortly before 2.30 pm on Wednesday, May 15.

"Officers arrived and arrested a 14-year-old male from Westcliff."

Police have now confirmed a "large knife" has been found.