Police given powers to stop 'planned event' in Southend today
A dispersal order is in place until 12pm
A dispersal order will be in place in Southend from midday today, (Thursday 10 August), in response to possibility of a large group of people travelling to the city.
Police say: "We’re aware of an event which is planned to take place in Southend".
The order does not mean there is a blanket ban on people coming to Southend. It gives officers the power to direct people suspected of acting anti-socially to leave the area. And if they don’t, they could be arrested.
The order will be in place for up to 48 hours and will be reviewed regularly. The area covered includes Southend High Street, Marine Parade, Pier Hill, Western Esplanade and Southend Central Train Station.
Dispersal zone 1
As part of police's response to the planned event, they will also have a significant policing presence in the city throughout tomorrow. That presence will also continue into the weekend and their resourcing will be reviewed regularly.
Chief Superintendent Waheed Khan, South local policing area commander, said: “Southend is really great place for people to visit and we want to encourage people to come here, enjoy the seafront and make use of the brilliant attractions and businesses.
“But if people come here and behave antisocially or commit crime, the reality is we’re going to take a robust approach to that and people acting that way could ultimately end up in a police cell.
“Throughout Thursday, and indeed as we enter this weekend, there will be an obvious police presence in city. We’re there to help people and make sure people can enjoy the city safely. But equally, the officers will respond appropriately and robustly if they have to.
“I would say to anyone coming to Southend planning on causing trouble, please think twice, it won’t be tolerated, and you’ll be arrested.”