17 arrests over weekend tackling violence and sexual offences

Officers from Essex Police's Operational Support Group (OSG) are working to tackle serious violence and violence against women and girls

Author: Amber RoderickPublished 6th Feb 2023

Officers from Essex Police's Operational Support Group (OSG) have made 17 arrests over the weekend as they continue their work to help tackle serious violence and violence against women and girls.

The activity between Friday and Sunday was in support of other teams across the force.

They made arrests in connection with investigations into serious sexual offences, a robbery, a burglary, as well as drugs and driving offences.

Essex Police say the team had been making a number of proactive arrest attempts targeting what are described as suspected high harm offenders, those suspected of committing serious offences including violence and sexual abuse.

They also responded to a series of incidents, provided high visibility foot patrols, carried out proactive vehicle stops, and supported the ongoing murder investigation on Canvey Island.

Chief Inspector Richard Baxter, who leads the OSG, said: “This has been a very busy weekend where my team has carried out work to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“We work every day to support teams from across the force and around the county, including tackling serious violence and violence against women and girls.

“We’re committed to dealing with these issues and it’s work we’re doing every day to keep the public safe.”

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