Two women were threatened by an aggressive man with a "huge machete" outside a takeaway.

The friends were left fearing for their lives as the man pulled the large knife from his trousers outside Tandoori Hut in Southend

Officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We are investigating after a man threatened two women in Southend.

"The victims, aged 18 and 20, were outside The Tandoori Hut in Southchurch Avenue at about 9.55pm on Monday 23 November.

"A man approached them and engaged them in conversation. He was reported to then become verbally aggressive and took out a large knife from his waistband, before walking off. They were not hurt but were left shaken.

"Anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened is asked to contact us quoting reference 42/192291/20.

You can submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator, or call 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."