Reports of weapons sparked a huge police operation across the Basildon district last night.
Police were called to four separate incidents.
They involved assaults and reports of weapons being seen in the Billericay area.
As a result additional stop and search powers were granted to officers in the Basildon district, under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994..
It meant officers did not need reasonable grounds to carry out a stop and search of persons in the area.
The order ran from 9.30pm last night to 9.30am this morning (Tuesday, August 31).
Read more >> Stop and search measures launched over reports of assaults and weapons
This map shows where the order was in place:
It inlcuded the Lake Meadows and Mill Meadows areas and Sunnymede.
Detective Chief Inspector Jim White said: “The additional stop-and-search powers have been authorised as a precaution following reports of what we believe are targeted incidents.
“The use of these powers is not a decision we take lightly and are in place to keep the community of Billericay and its residents safe.
“You will see officers patrolling the area to identify anyone intent on committing crime and we encourage anyone who has concerns to speak to us directly or contact us on 101.”
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