A senior Essex police officer updated the media yesterday afternoon, outlining their response to disorder within Central Southend on Tuesday 30th July.
Ch. Supt Leighton Hammett, force lead for strategic partnerships and prevention stood outside Southend Police Station on Victoria Avenue to say:
“A group of people travelled from outside Southend into our city, intent on committing crime and disorder. Officers responded quickly and robustly making eight arrests and seizing weapons.
Two people were hospitalised, but thankfully their injuries are no longer life-threatening or life-changing. They’re among those arrested and one has now been medically discharged.
I have a team of officers dedicated to identifying all those involved and need anyone who has information to contact us.
I know this incident will concern people who live and work here. No-one should be made to feel unsafe while enjoying Southend’s seafront.
I want to thank everyone who responded last night. They faced intimidation and possible violence but were unflinching in their response. Let me be clear. If you come to Southend planning to carry out disorder or violence, you will be dealt with.
There will be a very visible police presence around Central Southend over the coming days. We will work with Southend City Council, British Transport Police and rail operators to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
You have my commitment that we will not allow people to come here and make you feel unsafe.”
Asked how police resources will be affected when responding to incidents outside Southend, Mr Hammet stated that “They plan really carefully and ensure officers are spread responsibly across the force. We would always ensure there’s appropriate local capability maintained to attend 999 calls.”
Pressed on the injury status of those hospitalised, Ch. Supt Hammett couldn’t confirm whether police officers were harmed as alleged by social media reports and local publication, Your Southend.
Speaking to BBC Essex, whose reporter had gauged frustration from local traders after they repeatedly warned police in advance about the risk of trouble he also said “We (police) had information passed but it certainly wasn’t around drugs or weapons being brought here.
That’s something I need to work with them on (the traders) to make sure information gets through.”
If you have information or footage related to recent incidents, quote 1094 of 30 July to 101 or the 24 hour live chat on Essex Police’s website. Contact anonymously via Crimestoppers by visiting them online or call 0800 555 111.
By Jordan Curry – ADJ CFJ Student