MACHETES and tear gas were among the offensive weapons seized by police officers across a single day in Clacton.

Essex Police arrested four people in connection with offensive weapon offences yesterday.

Officers first stopped and searched a man in Blue House Avenue at around 1pm, finding a police-style baton.

Markel Greenidge, 33, of Dunbar Street, West Norwood, London, is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

He is charged with possession of an offensive weapon.

At around 1.20pm, officers received reports a man was threatened by attackers armed with knives in Hayes Road.

An Essex police spokesman said: "The men drove off and we stopped a vehicle in Key Road, Clacton.

"We found a number of CS canisters and machetes inside.

"They have all been seized."

A 44-year-old man, from Jaywick, remains in custody for questioning while a 36-year-old man, from Clacton, has been released on bail until Monday, March 11.

At around 1.25pm, officers stopped and searched a 17-year-old boy, from Clacton, in Rush Green Road and found he was carrying a large knife.

He was arrested and released on bail until Monday, March 11.