An 18-year-old man from Westcliff has been arrested after fireworks were allegedly set off recklessly on a crowded Southend beach, leaving families frightened during one of the city’s free seafront fireworks displays.
The incident happened at around 7.30pm on Saturday 17 October, as hundreds of spectators, including families with young children, gathered along Southend seafront for the organised display.
Witnesses described frightening scenes as fireworks were reportedly lit dangerously close to members of the public, prompting some people to move away from the area.
Essex Police confirmed that an 18-year-old man from Westcliff was arrested following reports of fireworks being recklessly lit on Marine Parade. Officers also recovered a knife from the scene.
Police said the man was arrested on suspicion of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
It is believed that no injuries were reported as a result of the fireworks being set off on the beach. However, there have been reports of a scuffle involving members of the public who reportedly tackled the suspect to the ground before police arrived. The circumstances of the reported scuffle, and whether anyone was injured during it, have not been confirmed.
Families describe terrifying scenes on Southend beach
Several people who said they were at the seafront described how frightening the incident was, particularly for families with young children.
Leah Marie Bunn, who was watching the fireworks with her young son, said: “It shook me and my little boy up! I couldn’t enjoy the fireworks even after it happened because I was so paranoid. My little boy asked to stand on the beach and I said no. Thank God I did, otherwise we would’ve been in the middle of it. We were still very close though. It was very scary.”
Another witness, Jo Giles-White, said: “We were there and he ran right in front of us. It was dangerous and stupid and could have been so much worse. Luckily, no one was hurt. I’m sure it definitely frightened some kids.”
A concerned grandparent, Jack said: “My daughter and her three children were there and were all absolutely terrified. What type of idiot does this on a beach crowded with families?!”
Police arrest 18-year-old man from Westcliff
Seafront security personnel and Essex Police responded to the incident.
Chief Inspector Paul Hogben, of Essex Police, said: “This was a distressing incident for the hundreds of people and families that had gathered in Southend to watch the organised fireworks display.
“Our officers were quickly at the scene and will be on patrol in the coming weekends while these displays continue.”
Police are appealing for anyone with further information to come forward, quoting incident 1212 of Saturday 17 October.
Fireworks organisers thank security team and members of the public
Nick Singer, speaking as one of the organisers of Southend City Fireworks, expressed disappointment and thanked those who helped bring the situation under control.
“Naturally, it was very disappointing to hear about the incident that took place on the beach during yesterday’s fireworks event. The safety and enjoyment of those attending our events is always extremely important to us.
“From the information available to us, this appears to have been an isolated incident, and we are grateful for the swift response from Essex Police and those involved in dealing with the situation.
“I would also particularly like to thank the members of our security team who attended the incident, along with members of the public who assisted in detaining the individual until police officers arrived. Their quick actions helped bring the situation under control, and we are extremely grateful for their assistance.
“Incidents such as this are also an example of exactly why we have a dedicated security team in place throughout the year and across the fireworks events. While thankfully situations of this nature are rare, having trained personnel on site means they are able to respond quickly when required and support the police and emergency services.”
Mr Singer added that thousands of people attend the free displays each year, with the overwhelming majority doing so “safely and in good spirits”. He reaffirmed organisers’ commitment to working with Essex Police, seafront security teams and other partners to keep the events safe and enjoyable.
Who organises and funds Southend’s free fireworks displays?
Southend’s seafront fireworks displays are celebrating their 30th year in 2026, with free shows scheduled on Saturday evenings from 26 September until 14 November.
The events are organised and supported through a partnership of local seafront businesses, organisations and sponsors, helping to keep the displays free for spectators and encouraging visitors to support the seafront economy.
Supporters funding this year’s events include Adventure Island, Kingpins, Star Amusements, Sealife Adventure, Beaches Cafe Bar & Bistro, Pebbles, The Hope Hotel, Papillon, Chinnerys, c2c Rail, Southend City BID and Southend-on-Sea City Council.
The fireworks are launched from a barge in the Thames Estuary, just east of Southend Pier, with viewing areas along the seafront. Displays are scheduled to begin at 7.30pm.
The remaining scheduled dates are:
- Saturday 24 October
- Saturday 31 October
- Saturday 7 November
- Saturday 14 November
The final display on 14 November is scheduled to coincide with Southend’s Christmas lights switch-on celebrations.
Anyone with information about Saturday’s incident is reminded to contact Essex Police, quoting incident 1212 of 17 October.