A MAN is due to appear in court today after being found in possession of knives in Southend just hours after a man was stabbed in the town centre

Police stepped up patrols on Bank Holiday Monday following a stabbing in Warrior Square on Sunday morning. The investigation continues.

During the increased police patrols, Matthew Hull was arrested and charged with being in possession of a butterfly knife in York Road.

The 48-year-old unemployed man from York Road has been detained in police custody prior to his appearance at Southend Magistrates Court.

A 27-year-old man from Leigh was also arrested after being found in possession of a lock knife. He has been charged and released on police bail prior to his appearance at Southend Magistrates Court on May 24.

Neighbourhood Policing Supt Nick Morris said: "Monday’s increased police presence underlines our determination to crack down on violent crime in the town.

"Our aim is both to deter anyone thinking of carrying a weapon to commit an act of violence and to arrest them if they are foolish enough to do so.”