Police enacted a dispersal order covering much of Southend city centre yesterday evening, following a fight involving a group of youths in Queens Road.
The shocking incident happened around 5.30pm on Tuesday 15 April, next to Molo Lounge in the heart of Southend. It was a busy time of day, with many people finishing shopping, heading home from work or going out for dinner.
At least four youths were witnessed involved in the altercation, prompting swift action from Essex Police after reports of the ongoing fight were made.
Officers say they were on the scene within a minute of the first report, and although thankfully no one was injured, a bladed weapon was recovered at the scene.
A police spokesperson confirmed that inquiries into the incident are still ongoing. No arrests are believed to have been made at this time.
To help the police ensure public safety, a dispersal order under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 was authorised. The order gives officers the power to move individuals out of the designated area of Souhtend city centre if they believe that a person’s behaviour could lead to crime or disorder.
The order, which came into force shortly after the incident, will remain active for 24 hours – until 7pm on Wednesday 16 April. It covers a wide area around Southend High Street, as marked on the map released by police.
Residents, shoppers and visitors can expect to see an increased police presence in and around Southend city centre during this time.
Inspector Steven Baker from Essex Police commented:
“We’ve been hugely helped by the public following this earlier disorder, which we believe took place between individuals who are known to each other. I would reassure the people of Southend that we simply will not tolerate incidents of this nature. This order will have no impact on the vast majority of good, law-abiding people we want to protect in Southend. It will however help us as we look to prevent any further incidents and apprehend those responsible.”
One local shop owner, who asked not to be named, said:
“It was shocking to see something like that so close by – especially in broad daylight. I think the dispersal zone makes sense if it helps stop things from escalating further.”
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is encouraged to contact Essex Police or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.