A runner was confronted by a knifeman during an incident on the seafront.

The incident happened in Thorpe Esplanade, Thorpe Bay yesterday evening.

A teenage boy has been arrested in connection with a string of offences.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "A teenage boy has been arrested as part of an investigation into an attempted robbery in Southend.

"We received reports of a runner being confronted by a person with a knife in Thorpe Esplanade at 9.15pm last night, Monday 12 July.

"A short time later, a 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery, possession of a Class A drug with intent, possession of Class B or C drugs and possession of a bladed article.

"He remains in custody for questioning."