An investigation has been launched after a delivery driver was verbally abused and threatened with a knife.

Police were called with concerns that a man who had been making a delivery at an address on Belgrave Road, Eastwood, had been verbally abused and threatened by a man who had what was described as a knife. 

No injuries were reported. 

Later that evening, witnesses reported armed police and a chopper descending on the scene as they prepared to search a property.

Officers carried out a search of an address on Belgrave Road shortly after 10.30pm and found what is believed to be an imitation firearm and a large knife. 

A 30-year-old man from Leigh was later arrested on suspicion of affray and a 38-year-old man, also from Leigh was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information are asked to contact Southend CID on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers completely anonymously, quoting incident 835 of 21 August.