FOUR teenagers have been arrested after reports children were threatened with a Taser and a knife.

The first teenage victim was approached near the Fortune of War roundabout in Basildon just before 6pm on Friday and threatened with the electroshock weapon if he did not hand over his phone.

A second teenage boy reported that he was shown a similar weapon, and a knife, near to Paddock Park shortly afterwards, in what police believe was a second attempted robbery.

Both victims left unharmed and without losing any belongings.

Four teenage boys were arrested later that day.

The group included a 13-year-old from Billericay, a 14-year-old from Great Warley, a 14-year-old from Laindon and a 15-year-old from Billericay.

All four were arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery, with the 15-year-old and the 14-year-old from Laindon additionally arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.

They remain in custody for questioning.