Teens charged following violent disorder on Southend seafront
It's after eight people were arrested for the events on Tuesday
Last updated 3rd Aug 2024
Eight people aged 14 to 18 have been charged following violence and disorder on Southend seafront on Tuesday evening.
The offences include attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to cause serious injury.
The teenagers will appear before magistrates in Chelmsford later today.
A 16-year-old boy from Basildon, has this morning been charged with wounding with intent, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and violent disorder. He is the last person to be charged after he was discharged from hospital.
A dispersal order has been put in place for the town tonight, with the police's stop and search powers also extended.
Superintendent Leigh Norris reassured locals, saying “Southend is a safe place to be and the incidents we saw on Tuesday are not common'.
Police are deploying knife arches and OpenGate weapons detection system as well as specialist units such as police dogs.