Essex Police launched a pursuit after it was reported two men was brandishing machetes in a car.

Multiple police units and the police helicopter were spotted in Westcliff, around Gainsborough Drive and Brightwell Avenue, on Thursday, April 20.

A police spokesman said: "Police were contacted shortly before 1.50pm on April 20 with reports a machete had been seen in a car in Brightwell Avenue, Westcliff.

"Officers attended and followed the Peugeot 307, which the occupants abandoned near North Crescent.

"A search was carried out for the suspects and enquiries are ongoing to locate them. 

"Anyone with information is asked to contact police at Southend on 101 or online at www.essex.police.uk/do-it-online"