Six people have been arrested on suspicion of drugs and weapons offences during police patrols.

Officers were carrying out patrols in Basildon on Friday 1 November as part of Operation Sceptre, our ongoing crackdown on serious violence including knife crime.

They arrested a 39-year-old man from Thurrock and a 20-year-old man from Basildon after they were found to have wraps believed to contain class A drugs.

The pair were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs and have been released under investigation while police continue enquiries.

Officers stopped a Ford Fiesta in Felmores, Pitsea, at about 11.35pm and the driver was tested at the roadside with a drugs wipe. The 30-year-old woman from Basildon was arrested on suspicion of drug-driving and released under investigation.

A Ford Fusion failed to stop for officers in Eastmayne at about 11.40pm and drove off. It collided with a parked car in South Mayne and the occupants ran off.

Officers found a large knife and suspected cannabis inside the Ford Fusion.

An 18-year-old man from Pitsea was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, possession of drugs, theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop when directed.

An 18-year-old woman from Southend was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop when directed.

A 17-year-old boy from Pitsea was arrested on suspicion of taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, failing to stop when directed, driving without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

And a 16-year-old boy from Basildon was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, possession of drugs, failing to stop when directed, driving without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

They were all released under investigation.