Southend dispersal order extended
It's to prevent any more violence after incidents on Tuesday
Policei have been out and about in Southend, ensuring everyone can enjoy the sunshine and keep safe.
Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett said: “We have extra officers working alongside our usual patrols and our partners to keep people safe and ensure this is a great place for you to come and have a good time.
"We will not tolerate people who come to cause trouble, and anyone who does so will be robustly dealt with.
"We have a range of measures in place, some you will see and some you won’t.
"We are aware of another planned event and we are ready for that.”
Section 60 in place
Part of that preparation includes a Section 60 order, which is in place from 5pm yesterday (Thursday) till 5pm today
This order gives police officers the power to stop and search anyone in its area and they can search without the usual ground for suspicion that they must have for a normal stop and search, these powers will be used responsibly by the teams.
Chief Supt Hammett added: “This is one of many tactics we are using in Southend to keep people safe. We will use all the appropriate powers at our disposal to do so.”
The force says its investigation into the disorder in Southend on Tuesday is progressing at pace.
Eight people were arrested in connection with numerous offences including violent disorder and possession of offensive weapons.
Officers have now been granted more to time to question them by the courts. These interviews will continue into today.
Detective Insp Alison Hooper, who is leading the investigation, said: “This extension allows us to continue our enquiries into the incidents of Tuesday night.
"It is a complex investigation with a number of moving parts to work through.
"We still need anyone with information to contact us and we’ve set up a portal for people to do that."
If you have any information regarding the events on Tuesday 30 July, especially video or photographs, then please share via the police online portal.
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