A man has been arrested after a shop staff member was allegedly threatened with a 'Samurai sword'.

At about 7pm on Sunday, July 26 police were called to reports a man had entered a newsagent in East Gate, Harlow, with what was described as a Samurai sword and allegedly demanded that a member of staff close the shop shutters.

Officers arrived and arrested a man.

A man has been charged with eight offences following the incident.

Ben Horsfield, 29, of The High, Harlow, was charged with a racially aggravated public order offence, criminal damage, affray, being in possession of an offensive weapon and four counts of assaulting an emergency worker.

He is due to appear at Chelmsford's Magistrate's Court later today (Tuesday, July 28).

Epping Forest Guardian:

For more breaking news, local headlines and features, ‘like’ our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter account: @EppingFGuardian

Follow us to keep up-to-date with news in Epping Forest.