Teenager arrested at Heathrow Airport in connection with violent disorder in Southend – the 10th suspect to be taken into custody

A teenager has been arrested at Heathrow Airport in connection with a violent disorder incident that shook Southend’s seafront last summer, bringing the total number of suspects detained to ten.

Essex Police officers apprehended the 18-year-old man from Stratford on Friday 28 March as he returned to the UK. He is now in custody, being questioned on suspicion of violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.

The dramatic events unfolded on the evening of Tuesday 30 July 2024, when police were called to Southend seafront following reports of multiple individuals brandishing weapons. Officers responded within minutes, swiftly arresting eight people at the scene. The ninth suspect was identified, arrested, and charged on 20 August 2024.

All nine previously arrested suspects entered a range of pleas at Basildon Crown Court on 3 October, and they are now set to stand trial this July.

The latest arrest at Heathrow marks another significant step in Essex Police’s ongoing efforts to bring all those involved to justice.

Court proceedings and charges

At Basildon Crown Court on 3 October last year, the individuals charged in connection with the disorder entered the following pleas:

• Tyler Omo-Irogho, 18, of Clarendon Road, Watford – admitted assaulting an emergency worker but denied violent disorder, conspiring to commit GBH, wounding with intent, and possession of a bladed article.
• Michael King, 18, of Crescent Road, London – admitted violent disorder and conspiring to commit GBH but denied wounding with intent.
• Mekai Brown, 18, of Higham Road, Woodford Green – admitted violent disorder but denied conspiring to commit GBH and wounding with intent.
• A 17-year-old boy from London – denied violent disorder, conspiring to commit GBH, wounding with intent, and possession of a bladed article.
• A 16-year-old boy from London – admitted violent disorder and possession of a prohibited firearm but denied attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent, conspiring to commit GBH, and wounding with intent.
• A 17-year-old boy from London – admitted violent disorder and possession of a bladed article but denied conspiring to commit GBH and wounding with intent.
• A 16-year-old boy from Basildon – denied violent disorder, conspiring to commit GBH, wounding with intent, and possession of a bladed article.
• A 17-year-old boy from Woodford Green – admitted possession of a bladed article but denied violent disorder, conspiring to commit GBH, and wounding with intent.
• A 14-year-old boy from Pitsea – admitted violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon but denied conspiring to commit GBH and wounding with intent.

All nine suspects are scheduled to stand trial in July.

Police commitment to public safety

Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett emphasised the force’s commitment to keeping Southend safe and ensuring justice is served:

“On 30 July, officers responded quickly and robustly following reports of people with weapons, making arrests within minutes. Eight people were arrested and charged at the time, but the investigation has not stopped there. We continue to work to identify, locate, and arrest anyone involved in this incident, and we will pursue them relentlessly.”

Reassuring the public, Chief Supt Hammett added:

“I want to reiterate that this was an isolated incident, and Southend remains a safe place to live, work, and visit. As we prepare to welcome thousands of visitors to enjoy our beautiful seafront, world-famous pier, and fantastic attractions this Bank Holiday weekend, our officers will be highly visible across the city. We will also be deploying Live Facial Recognition technology to help keep the public safe.

“If anyone is thinking of coming here to commit crime, be in no doubt—you will be dealt with.”

With a high-profile trial set for early next year and continued efforts to bring all involved to justice, Essex Police are sending a clear message—violent disorder will not be tolerated, and those responsible will face the full force of the law.