A POLICE boss has praised "vigilant" members of the public for leading police to a knifeman on the run.

Davy Bourke, 25, of Roots Hall Drive, Southend, received 13 months for one count of possession of a knife in a public place on Monday.

On August 13 lasr year Bourke had walked past the Hope Hotel public house in possession of a knife.

Police attended and Bourke ran off into Seaway carpark in Lucy Road and an officer used his Taser to safely apprehend him.

Bourke fell to the floor while holding a folding lock knife.

Chief Inspector Ian Hughes, District Commander for Southend, said: “This incident happened within a real short period of time, from the reports from vigilant members of the public to the quick arrest in a nearby car park.

"In comparison, Bourke will spend plenty of time behind bars for walking our streets in possession of a knife.

“There really is no place for carrying knives in Southend, if you carry one there’s every chance you’ll be arrested and will spend time locked in a prison cell – just like Bourke.”

Anyone with information about knife crime can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.