A teenage boy was reportedly held at knifepoint in Gunners Park, Shoeburyness, by a group who demanded he hand over his iPhone. The shocking incident has left the local community shaken and has sparked fresh concerns about safety in the area.
The boy’s mother, Jenny Clark, confirmed that the robbery had been reported to the police. Speaking about her son’s terrifying ordeal, she said: “He is okay but shaken up. We don’t care for the phone—it’s the fact he was held at knifepoint. Hopefully, the lads will get caught and have their karma.”
The number of council-operated CCTV cameras in Gunners Park and the wider Shoeburyness area is limited, with only a handful in operation compared to more than 30 in central Southend.
Calls for action as knife crime concerns grow
Local residents have expressed their fears over safety in the area, with some calling for tougher measures to combat knife crime. Paul Johnson, a concerned local, said: “Carrying a knife should have the same implications as carrying a gun. As far as I’m concerned, if you are carrying a knife, it’s with intent to use it.”
Another resident, Jenny Seymour, recalled seeing three individuals in the area around the time of the attack. She described them as wearing black face masks and behaving suspiciously.
“I saw the same three lads at Gunners around the same time,” she said. “I feared that they may be up to no good. Can’t even walk my dog without fear. I hope the boy that was held at knifepoint can overcome this incident.”
Safety concerns in Gunners Park
Gunners Park, a popular spot for families, dog walkers, and joggers, has been under scrutiny in recent months due to concerns about increases in anti-social behaviour. With this latest incident adding to growing unease, many residents are calling for more visible policing and additional CCTV cameras to help deter crime and protect the community.
Essex Police have yet to confirm whether an official investigation has identified any suspects, but residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.
Anyone with information regarding the robbery is encouraged to contact Essex Police via their non-emergency number 101 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.