Three teenagers have been arrested following a report of an armed attempt to steal a man’s car at Lakeside. 

Essex Police received an emergency call yesterday, shortly after 7.30pm after a man had been confronted while he was in his vehicle outside Hollywood Bowl. 

According to the police, he was threatened by the group with what he believed to be a knife and another weapon. 

Thankfully, the victim was able to escape quickly by driving away from the scene and getting to a safe place. 

A number of police units, including armed officers, were sent to the area with detailed descriptions of the suspects supplied by the victim. 

Officers identified three people of interest, who tried to run off but were tracked and caught, and later arrested. 

Detective Inspector Steve Baker, who is leading the investigation said: “From the moment the 999 call was received in our control room, teams from across the force were sent to the scene to find those believed to be responsible. 

“We’ve also taken two dangerous weapons off the streets – and they’ll be destroyed.” 

All three boys, aged 17, 17 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon, with all three remaining in custody. 

DI Baker said: “We know it is so important not only to react as we did yesterday evening when reports of a weapon being seen come in, but we are also proactive in our approach to tackling knife crime. 

“That approach is working in Essex and it’s driving down knife crime, but one incident is always one too many and we’ll continue to work with our partners across all sectors, including in local authorities and through the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit.”