SOUTHEND seafront is a safe place for visitors despite a "shocking" assault by the beach, the council's community safety boss has said.

The incident took place at about 7.25pm in Marine Parade on Tuesday, March 30.

During the incident a girl, 16, was attacked by a group of females on the beach, opposite Hope Hotel.

She was punched a number of times by the group as well as being grabbed by the hair.

A passing family witnessed the incident and three men in the group told the attackers to stop.

However, a separate group of young men then arrived on the scene.

They attacked the three good samaritans who had tried to help the teenager.

Each of the three men who had tried to help sustained facial injuries during the attack.

One sustained a fractured cheekbone which required hospital treatment.

Read more:

Martin Terry, South Council's community safety and customer contact boss, said he was shocked to hear about the incident.

He added extra resources were being put in to ensure the seafront was safe for visitors.

He said: "This is absolutely shocking to hear.

"We have got extra police resources on the seafront at busy periods and we are running Operation Heatwave.

"I am very saddened to hear this has happened but I would like to reassure the public Southend seafront is a safe place to visit.

"This is unacceptable behaviour.

"Well done to the family who stepped in to help the young girl and it is unacceptable what happened to them."

He urged any witnesses to contact Essex Police with information which may help with their enquiries.

Anyone who has footage of the incident or has information on it should submit a report online at www.essex.police.uk or use the ‘Live Chat’ button to speak to an online operator between 7am11pm.

You can also call Essex Police on 101 and cite 42/56721/21.

Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Operation Heatwave is a plan to ensure the borough is ready to welcome back visitors as restrictions are eased and temperatures warm up.

Alongside its street cleansing programme, the council has now introduced new measures to manage waste during peak times.