A MAN has been sectioned after suffering a mental health crisis in Tilbury.

District Commander for Thurrock, Chief Inspector Richard Melton, said: “We are aware that there have been rumours circulating, and a lot of concern in the community over this incident, so I want to clear the air.

“We were called at around 12.45pm on Tuesday 16 June, with reports that a man had spat at people and damaged a war memorial in Civic Square. He was unwell and suffering a mental health crisis.

“Our Community Policing Team officers attended the scene, located the man and arrested him on suspicion of criminal damage. No permanent damage was caused to the memorial.

“As part of our enquiries, unarmed officers went into a local businesses on Calcutta Road.

“The man was then taken into our custody, where he was assessed by mental health professionals and sectioned for his own safety.

“Last night, Wednesday 17 June, we received reports that staff had been threatened in the man’s place of work. Let me be clear: we will not tolerate anyone acting as a vigilante. We will find you, and we will arrest you.

“I know the people of Tilbury have good hearts, and the majority of the town will be able to show sympathy to this situation, where a man was very clearly in trouble. I am glad he is now getting the help he needs.”