A teenager has been charged as part of a police operation to tackle knife crime in south Essex.

An operation between 2pm and 10pm on Tuesday, July 18, was set up during a national week of action to reduce knife crime. It involved various policing teams within the force, including nine police cars and five police motorbikes.

During the operation, officers stopped and searched a 15-year-old boy in Woodgrange Drive, Southend, at about 5.50pm and found a 14-inch knife. He was later charged and is due to appear as Basildon Youth Court on August 8.

Shane Rawles, 39, of Clarence Road, Benfleet, was charged with two counts of drug possession. He is due to appear at Basildon Magistrates Court on August, 24.

Other activities on the day included:

• A 39-year-old woman from Corringham was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs after being stopped in High Road, Pitsea and was later released without charge.

• A 24-year-old woman from Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, was stopped in Mustudea Way, Southend, by roads policing officers at 5.40pm. She was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and has been released under investigation.

• Officers stopped a car in Priory Crescent, Southend, at around 4.20pm and arrested a 54-year-old man, of no fixed address, on suspicion of immigration offences. He was passed over to Border Force officials.

• 54 vehicles were stopped. One driver was reported for driving without a licence and insurance, three people were not wearing seat belts, seven people had no MOTs and one person agreed to a community resolution for possession of cannabis.

Between Monday, July 17 and Saturday, July 22, police activity in Essex will target and disrupt offenders who carry and use knives and other bladed weapons.

Information about knife crime can be shared with Essex Police via 101, or where there is the immediate prospect of a violent incident, 999 should always be called. Crimestoppers can be reached anonymously on 0800 555 111.