AN MP is demanding urgent action following reports of gangs fighting with weapons in Leigh.

Police were given extra powers last night to stop and search people in the town after receiving reports of trouble between groups of people.

Anna Firth, MP for Southend West, says she is making urgent enquiries with police about the problem, and is even calling for further preventative measures to be installed now.

Read more >> Large knife seized as police give update on Leigh gang fights

Ms Firth said on Twitter: “I was shocked to read reports of gang-fighting with weapons occurring in Leigh yesterday.

“We have already experienced the tragedy of fatal stabbings in Southend.

“We simply cannot allow fights like these to happen and risk another tragedy taking place in our community.

“That's why I will make urgent enquiries to Essex Police today, pressing my case for the installation of knife arches / mobile "search poles" and greater CCTV coverage in Leigh.

“Making Southend safer is one of my absolute top priorities.

“We need to be taking these steps NOW”.

Police have previously set up knife arches in key locations in Southend in a bid to crackdown on the number of people carrying weapons and bladed items. 

The arches have typically been set up on a temporary basis inside blocks of flats or in public areas.