Essex Police are continuing to investigate an incident of disorder in Southend town centre which occurred just before 7pm on Tuesday, March 27. 

Five people remain in police custody and are being interviewed by officers. 

Two men, both from the Southend area, have reported being injured during this incident, and have been spoken to by police.

Police are now looking for anyone who may have been in the area around this time and witnessed the incident to get in touch. They’re particularly keen to get hold of any photos or videos of the disorder.  

Echo:

Senior Investigating Officer, DI Stuart Truss, said: “We believe that this incident involved people known to each other. Therefore, I do not believe there is any risk to the wider public.

“It happened in a busy part of Southend so I am confident that people will have seen what happened. I am keen to speak to anyone who can assist my team. 

“Police patrols have been increased locally.”

Local Southend Supt Nick Morris added: “The tackling of gangs, county lines and those people who carry knives is a priority for Southend and we will continue to focus on the small numbers who are involved in this limited but serious criminality.  

“Southend remains a safe town to live and work in and officers across the district are committed to ensuring this continues to be the case.

“I would call upon anyone to inform us, or Crimestoppers, of anyone that they know carries a knife.

"The issue of gangs and knife crime is wider than just enforcement by the police and we continue to work with others across Southend to divert people away from this lifestyle while ensuring that there is a consequence for those that choose this path.”

Please contact Police on 101, or you can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.