POLICE have deployed special powers tonight after reports of two men trying to force entry into a pub in High Street, Rayleigh.

The Section 60 powers were put in place allowing police to stop and search without reasonable grounds.

It came after officers were called shortly after 6pm tonight (Saturday) to the disturbance. Police have not named the pub.

The men were unsuccessful in their attempts in forcing entry and left the area, police say.

One of the men was reported to have a knife, officers add.

Officers quickly arrived and challenged five men when who were at the location a short time after.

The men ran off in the direction of Bull Lane, with one of the men attempting to discharge a Taser at officers.

With assistance from the National Police Air Service, a man believed to be connected with the incident was arrested.

The Section 60 Authority has been in place until 10pm this evening, Saturday 22 February, and allowed uniformed officers to search people for dangerous objects and weapons without the need to have a reasonable suspicion.

The powers were being exercised to protect the community and prevent incidents of crime and disorder.

A Section 60 power differs from the regular stop and search powers as officers do not need to have reasonable grounds to stop and search someone.

Police are obliged to make the public aware that a Section 60 Authority has been authorised.

This covered Highfield Crescent in Rayleigh and the surrounding area including the A1015, the B1013 and Trinity Road.

If you saw anything, have any CCTV or dash cam footage, or any other information about the disturbance please call police on 101 quoting incident 1471 of 22 February or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A 20-year-old man from Leigh arrested on suspicion of being in possession of an offensive weapon remains in police custody.

Enquires are ongoing.