A KNIFE arch has been erected in Basildon to detect people carrying weapons.

The device was set up at the main bus station to deter offences in the run-up to Christmas. The metal-detecting device can catch out anyone who chooses to carry a blade in public.

PC Colin McCabe, neighbourhood officer for St Martin’s ward, said: “We’ve had a few incidents which have happened at the bus station and there have been a couple of fights recently.

“So we’re just doing this over the busy Christmas period to make shoppers feel safe while they are doing their shopping and catching public transport.”