A LARGE stash of alcohol and a dangerous weapon were confiscated off schoolchildren celebrating the end of their GCSEs in Southend.

Officers were out on patrol on the evening of Friday, June 15 with a street engagement officer from the Southend Early Help family support team.

Officers spoke to lots of young people who were celebrating finishing their GCSEs, giving advice about their behaviour, including to those caught drinking underage.

During the patrols the team seized 34 bottles and cans of beer, cider and vodka mix along with multiple spirits.

A spokesman for the team said: “We also poured away open alcohol including cans of beer and cider, and large bottles of vodka, brandy, amaretto and schnapps.

“And not forgetting the set of foam handled Nunchucks that were found.

“Good luck to all the Year 11s that we spoke to for their future.”

The children were given advice about their behaviour and helped to pick up litter.