Additional stop and search powers have been granted to police after weapons were spotted in an incident in Vange.
Police believe the incident was targeted but have introduced the additional stop and search powers "to keep our communities safe".
Police say an extension of the stop and search powers officers already in place have has been authorised under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
This means officers will not need to have reasonable grounds to carry out a stop and search of persons in the area.
Inspector Harry Shelton said: “The additional stop-and-search powers have been authorised as a precaution. It follows an incident which was reported to us shortly before 5.30pm this evening.
“Our investigations are at an early phase but at this stage we believe it to be a targeted incident.
“The use of these powers is not a decision we take lightly and are in place to keep the community of Basildon 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.”
The order was authorised at 6.55pm today and will be in place until 6am tomorrow morning, covering the area highlighted in the map.
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