A police helicopter was scrambled to find a 17-year-old suspected of committing assault.

Police were called shortly after 11.30am yesterday to Great Leighs to search for the boy who fled from the scene following reports of criminal damage to a property.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and taken to Chelmsford police station for questioning.

He was charged with assault by beating and has been bailed to appear at Chelmsford Youth Court on August 8.