Ten teenagers sentenced after shocking machete & firearm violence on Southend seafront

Ten teenagers have been sentenced to more than 34 years in custody following a violent summer clash involving machetes and a firearm on Southend seafront.

The large-scale disorder unfolded on the evening of Tuesday 30 July 2024, shocking families and tourists enjoying a summer night by the seaside. The violence erupted between two rival London gangs who had travelled to Southend and clashed in a public area.

Essex Police responded swiftly to multiple 999 calls reporting armed youths on the seafront. Officers moved in rapidly and arrested several males, aged between 14 and 18, suspected of being involved.

CCTV cameras had captured both groups gathering earlier that evening in side streets around Southend city centre, away from crowds. They then converged, and the confrontation left at least two people with serious injuries requiring hospital treatment.

In the weeks and months that followed, dozens of officers worked to identify and arrest those involved. A total of ten defendants later pleaded guilty to offences including violent disorder, possession of weapons, and conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.

The case was brought before Basildon Crown Court, with prosecutors Greg Wedge and Satya Chotalia of 187 Chambers presenting the evidence.

During a two-day sentencing hearing on Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 July 2025, the following punishments were handed down:

• Tyler Omo-Irogho, 19, of Clarendon Road, Watford – 3 years and 3 months (assaulting an emergency worker, violent disorder, possession of a bladed article). He was 18 at the time.
• Michael King, 18, of Crescent Road, South Woodford – 7 years and 6 months (violent disorder, conspiracy to commit GBH).
• Mekai Brown, 19, of Higham Road, Woodford Green – 8 years (violent disorder, conspiracy to commit GBH). He was 18 at the time.
• Lucas Braga, 18, of Pitchford Street, Stratford – 2 years (violent disorder, possession of a bladed article). He was 17 at the time.
• Isaac Bello, 18, of Prospect Road, Woodford Green – 2 years (violent disorder, possession of a bladed article). He was 17 at the time.
• Hamza Dinbil, 18, of Corporation Street, Stratford – 1 year and 10 months (violent disorder, possession of a bladed article). He was 17 at the time.
• Unnamed 17-year-old boy from London – 6 years and 11 months (violent disorder, conspiracy to commit GBH, possession of a prohibited firearm, possession with intent to cause fear). He was 16 at the time.
• Unnamed 17-year-old boy from London – Referral order to be decided in Youth Court (violent disorder, possession of a bladed article). He was 16 at the time.
• Unnamed 17-year-old boy from Basildon – 20-month Detention and Training Order (violent disorder, possession of a bladed article). He was 16 at the time.
• Unnamed 15-year-old boy from Pitsea – 18-month Detention and Training Order (violent disorder, conspiracy to commit GBH, possession of an offensive weapon). He was 14 at the time.

Chief Superintendent Chris Bradford said:
“Last summer, a small group among thousands of law-abiding visitors thought they would bring disorder to Southend. They have now faced the consequences of their reckless, and dangerous actions. As we welcome visitors again this year, our message to everyone remains clear: Southend is open to everyone who wants to enjoy our city and the seaside. But if you come here to cause trouble, our officers will be waiting.”

Councillor Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend City Council, said:
“Following the disorder, I said there was no place for violence in Southend, and I stand by that. Today’s result shows what can be achieved when we work together to protect our city. I’m proud of the ongoing partnership between the council and Essex Police, and we’ll keep doing everything we can to make sure Southend remains a safe, welcoming place for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.”

Her Honour Judge Samantha Cohen commended the investigative work, stating:
“There were a number of officers involved in this case who I would like to commend personally. Gemma Gibson and Sarah Wyard, who coordinated the CCTV produced in this case and identified and tracked all of those involved from the footage respectively. And Detective Sergeant Mike Ferguson and Detective Constable Tracey Scorah, who have led the investigation and have conducted themselves in such a way that it deserves special recognition.”

Councillor Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety, added:
“We are committed to making sure our city remains a safe place for residents and visitors alike. We’ll continue to work closely with Essex Police to keep our streets safe and secure, and we’ve also worked hard with the business community to rebuild Southend’s reputation. Southend is a city that’s open for business, not for crime.”

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe, who led the investigation, said:
“My team’s tireless work—reviewing CCTV, interviewing witnesses, and analysing forensic evidence—left the suspects with no choice but to plead guilty, and I hope their sentencing sends a clear message to anyone thinking of bringing violence to our streets. It’s important these sentences were handed down today, but the work of my detectives doesn’t stop here. While there are others outstanding for their role in last year’s disorder, we will be looking for them.”

Police are still seeking two more suspects and have appealed to the public for information.

“We know this incident took place in a public place, where the dashcams of cars and people’s mobile phones may have captured important information about these two men. We want to hear from those people and encourage the public to share these images as widely as possible,” DCI Metcalfe added.

Full sentencing breakdown: Southend seafront gang violence