Two police officers have been praised after tackling a man wielding a four-foot sword at terrified passers-by in a Colchester street.

Police rushed to Magdalen Street at 8pm last night (Monday) after a report of a man heading towards the town centre attacking passing cars and threatening people with the weapon.

He left a trail of damage to about four cars and a restaurant window.

Det Sgt Mark Merry, of Colchester CID, said: "He was swiping at things and kicking out as he walked. He was threatening people and swinging at passing cars and parked cars."

Two male officers were quickly on the scene and used CS spray to subdue the man and wrestle the blade from him.

Det Sgt Merry said: "Police were quickly on the scene and within ten minutes of getting the call a man was arrested. It was very brave and prompt action by the officers involved."

A sword has been recovered by the police.

A Colchester man has been arrested in connection with the incident. He remained in Colchester Police Station overnight and was due to be assessed by a mental health team today (Tuesday)

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