TROUBLE broke out at a fast food restaurant in Colchester High Street.

Police were called, and an arrest made, following an incident at McDonald’s restaurant in Colchester High Street.

It unfolded on Saturday afternoon.

An Essex Police spokesman told how in the aftermath 37-year-old Philip Wheeldon was arrested at the scene - and later charged.

A police spokesman said: “Officers were called to McDonald’s at around 3.45pm on Saturday to reports of someone with what was described as a knife.

“Philip Wheeldon, 37, of Mersea Road, Colchester, was later arrested.

“He has since been charged with assault by beating, threatening a person with a blade in a public place, and criminal damage.”

Wheeldon appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday where he faced an additional charge of assault.

He admitted two counts of assault, while the other two charges were heard in summary only.

This means Wheeldon will now appear at Ipswich Crown Court on August 23 to issue a plea to all the charges in question.

A McDonald’s spokeswoman says bosses at the fast-food giant are supporting Essex Police with their inquiries following the incident.

“We can confirm that an incident took place at our restaurant on Colchester High Street on Saturday afternoon,” she said.

“The safety and security of our people and customers is our absolute priority and violence has absolutely no place in our restaurants.

“The police were called immediately to the incident, and we are supporting them with their inquiries.”

Castle ward councillor Mark Goacher praised the police for their response.