A PUBLIC meeting has been arranged in response to community fears over the rise in violent crime.

The meeting has been set up after a spate of violent incidents, often relating to knife crime, which have taken place in Pitsea in recent months.

The most serious was the fatal stabbing of 21-year-old Dwayne Forrester in Little Garth on July 7.

Essex Police believe the stabbing is related to the sale of drugs and, although no one has been arrested for his murder, seven people, including a 13-year-old boy, were arrested for various drug and theft-related offences.

Other incidents include a 16-year-old boy being attacked near Pitsea market on July 27 when he was punched repeatedly in the back of the head.

On July 25, a man was assaulted and robbed in Northlands Park by two men who stole all his belongings. and in April, a man was left with serious injuries after being stabbed five times by two teenage boys in Wickford Avenue.

The meeting, which will take place on September 18 at 7pm in the Pitsea Leisure Centre, has been arranged by ward councillor Andrew Ansell.

Mr Ansell, Labour councillor for Pitsea South East, said: “In recent months we’ve seen violent attack after violent attack on the same estates in Pitsea.

“I’m very concerned by this especially as Pitsea Police Station has now been closed following cuts to the force.

“People deserve to be reassured action is being taken and that’s why I have organised this meeting to provide residents with the opportunity to speak face to face with our senior chief inspector and other senior community safety figures. Everyone should be able to feel safe in their community.”

The meeting will give residents the opportunity to speak to Basildon’s district commander Chief Insp Sam Smith and share their knowledge of crime in their community.

The police will also be able to share updates about the action being taken to tackle the issue of violent crime in Pitsea.

Official crime figures for Pitsea South East ward show crime has increased steadily in 2018, with a total of 174 offences taking in place in January, 37 of which were classed as violent or sexual offences.

This has risen to 213 offences in June with 46 recorded as violent or sexual crimes.

At the meeting, residents will also be able to collect crime-fighting kits free of charge.