A MAN was arrested on suspicion of possessing pepper spray, Class A and Class B drugs after police used stop-and-search powers in Southend.

Southend police, in their regular update to residents, said a man "acting suspiciously" was arrested on Friday night. 

Police and Southend community safety officers used stop and search powers which led to the man being arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A and Class B drugs and pepper spray. 

In law, possession of pepper spray is illegal to possess

Echo: