Essex Police have launched an investigation after tensions flared in Southend during a pro-Palestine march that took place on Saturday, 19 April – a date that coincided with both the busy bank holiday weekend and the Jewish festival of Passover.
The march was organised by a coalition of Palestine activists who are calling for “a permanent ceasefire and an end to the occupation of Gaza.” Demonstrators made their way through key parts of the city, including Westcliff’s Hamlet Court Road, London Road, and into Southend High Street.
The march was accompanied by a significant police presence as part of a wider operation across Southend, which also included managing the Southend Shakedown biking event the same weekend.
Tensions rose when the march sparked counter-protests, leading to confrontations between different groups. Essex Police confirmed that two arrests were made during the day, and officers are now reviewing body-worn camera footage as part of their investigation into any other potential offences.
Originally scheduled to begin at 1:30pm, the march start time was delayed by an hour after police imposed conditions to reduce the risk of disruption and ensure public safety.
Concerns over timing and route of march
The demonstration attracted criticism from some Jewish organisations who reportedly expressed outrage that it took place during Passover, with families walking home from synagogue when protesters passed by.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism called the march “despicable,” accusing it of targeting a small, peaceful Jewish community.
However some people sided with the activists’ freedom to protest. Vanessa Yuen-roberts said: “We’re a democracy and these people are exercising their right to express their views. And because we’re a democracy, this was cleared with and by the authorities and allowed to go ahead.”
Police response and community reassurance
Speaking on Thursday 24 April, Chief Superintendent Waheed Khan addressed the community’s concerns and stressed that Essex Police had acted impartially, adding that their primary focus had been on public safety.
“We police without fear or favour and I know the march on Saturday has caused concern right across our community,” he said.
“We faced a number of challenges in relation to the march and the counter-protests. We imposed conditions to reduce the risk of disorder and disruption. We are now reviewing all available evidence, including officer body-worn video and any other footage, to identify any offences that may have occurred.
“If we find that offences were committed, we will investigate fully, regardless of who is involved.”
Neighbourhood policing teams have since been deployed to Westcliff and other areas to speak with local residents and traders. Officers are actively engaging with local faith leaders – including members of the Jewish community – to offer reassurance and gather feedback.
Superintendent Khan confirmed that a visible police presence will continue in the coming months as part of an ongoing effort to build trust and maintain safety across Southend.
“We always work hard to understand the impact of any march or protest on our communities,” he said. “We listened to the views of local people ahead of the demonstration and balanced the rights of all parties when deciding our approach.
“Our local independent advisory group – which represents a diverse cross-section of the community – continues to play a vital role in helping us gauge public sentiment and inform our policing decisions.”
In the wake of these recent events, residents in and around Southend can expect to see more officers on the streets, part of a wider investment in neighbourhood policing this spring and summer.
“We care deeply about our neighbourhoods,” Khan added. “And we’re doing everything we can to ensure people not only are safe, but feel safe.”
Some photos contributed by Aaron Chesham.