Police, some of them armed, swooped on Church Langley Playing Field in Harlow after reports of a man carrying a knife and threatening members of the public, including children.
Essex Police received multiple reports shortly before 7pm on Saturday (June 29) of a man making threats at the fields near Soper Square.
A further call came in to report that a woman had been assaulted when she was spat at.
Within 10 minutes, officers located and arrested a 58-year-old man on suspicion of possession of a pointed article in a public place, assault by beating and threatening a person with an offensive weapon. He was taken into custody.
Inspector Terry Fisher said: “Our response policing officers arrived prior to the firearms officers and demonstrated extreme bravery in locating this man and detaining him to ensure he could not cause serious harm.
“This incident was witnessed by many members of the public and I would like to thank them for their support, especially those who made sure that young children at the scene were safe.
“Our investigation into this incident remains ongoing.”