A 51-year-old woman and a teenager have both been charged following a violent incident in Hawkwell that left a young person seriously injured – while another teen has been bailed after facing multiple serious allegations.
Police and paramedics rushed to Clements Hall Way shortly before 7pm on Friday 13 June following reports that a group of teenagers had been attacked.
A young teenager suffered a serious leg injury and was taken to hospital for treatment, although the police say the injury is neither “life-threatening nor life-changing”.
Local residents said the incident appeared to stem from an attempted bike theft which escalated when the owner refused to hand over their bicycle.
A significant police response followed. Multiple patrol cars, an ambulance, and a National Police Air Service helicopter were all deployed. The helicopter was spotted circling the Leigh-on-Sea area during a search for the suspects.
Two 17-year-old boys – one from London and one from Leigh-on-Sea – were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH). Following further investigation, weapons were recovered and several properties were searched.
The teenager who is from Leigh-on-Sea has now been charged with possession of an offensive weapon and remanded in custody. He is due to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Monday 16 June.
However he has been bailed on suspicion of GBH, attempted robbery, possession of criminal property and being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug. Police say their enquiries are ongoing.
As part of the same investigation, a third person was arrested. Debbie Pickett, 51, of Rayleigh Drive in Leigh-on-Sea, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon. She has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court on 14 July.
Meanwhile, the 17-year-old from London arrested on suspicion of GBH and attempted robbery has been released on bail until 23 August.
Chief Inspector David Browning said:
“We take incidents of this nature extremely seriously, and understand the impact this incident has had on the local community. Our work carries on in Hawkwell with further proactive patrols in the coming days.”
“Now we have charged two people, we encourage the public not to speculate on the details of this case as it proceeds to court.”
The incident has sparked debate on youth crime and safety. Paula Day commented:
“Bring back national service! Discipline, morals and respect! If you’ve been caught carrying a knife it should be three years national service and five if used a knife!”
Another local parent, Paula Cockram, said: “This is terrible. I hope the kid involved isn’t too badly injured. Sadly it’s just a bike at the end of the day – not worth losing your life for refusing to hand it over. I always tell mine if someone tries stuff like this to just hand it over. I’d rather have them back than the police knocking on my door telling me they aren’t coming home.”