In a significant response to the recent wave of disorder and violence in Southend, officers have arrested eight individuals and seized seven weapons. These incidents occurred on Tuesday evening and have led to heightened security measures in the area.
Powers allowing officers to stop and search members of the public, their possessions, and their vehicles for weapons will remain in place until 8pm today, Wednesday, 31 July.
Two of those detained sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital for further treatment. Their injuries are not considered life-threatening or life-changing.
Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett commented: “These incidents are appalling – we will not tolerate this dangerous and violent behaviour on our streets.
“We responded quickly, with officers already deployed on the seafront and arrests made to keep the public safe. We have multiple lines of enquiry to identify more suspects and bring them to justice.
Early indications suggest that groups of young men and women had travelled into Southend, and the conflict occurred within these groups. I’d like to reassure the wider public that these were targeted attacks involving just a small fraction of the visitors to Southend yesterday.
“I’d also like to thank our partners in the British Transport Police and the security teams working in Southend for their support in dispersing the crowds and ensuring the public left the area covered by our dispersal order.
“The stop and search powers in place have already taken weapons off the streets of Southend, and we will not hesitate to stop anyone we suspect is carrying a weapon. If you carry a knife in Essex, you will not get away with it.
“Our officers will be in the city and on the seafront again today, so please speak to one of our officers if you have any information about last night’s disorder.”
Incident Details
At about 7.40pm on Tuesday, 30 July, an assault with an offensive weapon was witnessed by security staff and members of the public on Marine Parade, Southend. One suspect at the scene was arrested on suspicion of possessing a bladed article and causing grievous bodily harm.
The police have multiple lines of enquiry and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward with information or video footage.
