A MAN was reportedly seen 'with a knife' threatening members of the public and children at a park in Essex.

Officers including firearms officers were deployed to Church Langley playing fields in Harlow following reports of a man carrying a knife.

We received multiple reports shortly before 7pm on Saturday, June 29 of a man threatening members of the public, including children at the playing fields close to Soper Square in Harlow.

A further call came in to report that a woman had been assaulted after she was spat at.

Within 10 minutes, officers located and arrested a man on suspicion of possession of a pointed article in a public place, assault by beating and threatening a person with an offensive weapon.

The 58-year-old man from Harlow remains in custody.

Inspector Terry Fisher said “Our Response Policing Officers arrived prior to the firearms officers and demonstrated extreme bravery in locating this man and detaining him to ensure he could not cause serious harm.

“This incident was witnessed by many members of the public and I would like to thank them for their support, especially those who made sure that young children at the scene were safe.

“Our investigation into this incident remains ongoing.”