Six teenagers were arrested and knives were seized after an attempted robbery - sparking a huge police presence.

Policing teams rushed to the incident in in Richmond Avenue, Benfleet and officers say several knives were seized after police stopped and searched a vehicle.

Essex Police says the teenagers were arrested in connection with a range of offences.

The Essex Police Castle Point Team posted on Facebook: "On Wednesday May 11, officers from our roads policing, firearms and dog sections arrested six males following reports of an attempted robbery in Benfleet.

"During a search of a vehicle several knives were located. All six males were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery and possession of offensive weapon offences and have been released on bail whilst we continue our investigation."

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Officers investigating an attempted robbery in Benfleet have arrested six teenagers.

"It was reported that a teenage man was the victim of an attempted robbery in Richmond Avenue at around 2.30pm on May 11.

"The following people were arrested and released on bail until May 31. Two 18-year-old men were arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife and conspiracy to rob.

"A 16 and 17-year-old were arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife and attempted robbery.

"A 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife. A 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery."