NIGHTCLUB security stepped in to save a man from being attacked after he was chased by a knife-wielding gang.

Officers were called at about 12.25am yesterday morning with reports of teenagers armed with knives threatening a man who ran into Moo Moos, in Warrior Square, Southend.

Security at the venue intervened and were threatened before the attackers then ran off.

Three teenagers were detained by officers and arrested shortly afterwards.

Two 16-year-old boys and a 19-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife, blade or sharp pointed article in a public place and violent disorder and remain in custody for questioning.

Police say they are treating it as a targeted incident.

It has been met with concern in the community.

Marin Terry, independent councillor for community safety, said: “I am really pleased to see these security staff took this heroic act. I want to publicly thank them for taking this action in protecting this man.

“It is shocking to hear of this. We are doing are what we can to clamp down on knife crime.

“I have a zero tolerance for this sort of thing.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are treating the incident as targeted with no wider risk to the public.

“The victim left Moo Moos shortly after the incident and has not made contact with our officers and we would like to talk to him.

“Anyone with information is asked to call Southend CID on quoting incident 8 of 19/09 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Moo Moos was contacted fro comment but did not respond by the time the Echo went to print.