A LARGE police presence was seen at a south Essex train station after reports of "threats involving a knife" being made.

Officers were seen at Pitsea railway station and on c2c trains yesterday evening after 7pm.

Passengers took to social media to claim police officers were searching cars after reports of "teenagers threatening a passenger with a knife".

This was after police were called to the station with reports of anti-social behaviour and verbal threats "regarding knives".

British Transport Police said its officers attended but no weapons were found.

A spokesman said: “Officers were called to Pitsea railway station at around 6.50pm yesterday (16 April) following reports of anti-social behaviour and verbal threats regarding knives being made.

“Officers attended and no weapons were found.”

This came as the station was reportedly gridlocked yesterday with rail replacement buses and commuters trying to get home.

This was due to major disruption on the c2c line after a tree had fallen onto overhead wires and caused severe damage.