Police have charged a 16-year old boy with possession of an offensive weapon following a disturbance in Brentwood.

Officers attended an incident in High Street at about 6.40pm where several young people were reportedly behaving antisocially, with further reports some of them were armed.

Essex Police launched a dispersal order in Brentwood town centre until 6am today to reduce the risk of violent behaviour in the area and to protect residents and businesses nearby.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested and is now charged with the possession of an offensive weapon.

He will appear at court at a later date and has been bailed until Tuesday.

Officers who attended the scene confirmed no one was injured and no injuries were reported.

Police enquiries are ongoing and CCTV from the scene is being reviewed. There will be a large police presence in the town centre throughout today.

Inspector Terry Fisher said: “If you are in Brentwood today and have any information about this incident, please speak to one of our officers.

“Our licencing team will also be working to establish what referrals need to be carried out in relation to these reports of anti-social behaviour.”