FAMILIES fear a rise in gang violence in the streets of Leigh after groups of people were seen fighting with weapons. 

Residents say they worry the scenes witnessed on Wednesday could be the start of a summer of violence and could be a repeat of regular disorder seen last year.

Essex Police has vowed to take robust action against anyone breaking the law in Leigh. 

Officers seized a large knife while patrolling the town yesterday.

Shiela Cox, 61, admits reports of gang violence is becoming a familiar feeling.

Sheila, who lives on Manchester Drive where fighting was witnessed on Wednesday, said: “I think lots of people are worried we will be seeing a lot more problems like this later in the summer.

“We are sick of it and see dispersal orders one after another and the problem goes and come back again after.

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“I am very concerned that we will see gangs running riot this summer across Leigh.

"I think it’s dreadful and this latest incident is very worrying, we have schools nearby and children could have seen this.”

Another Leigh resident, Bob Gardener, 41, said he also worries about more incidents like this and the impact on the community.

He added: “I think this latest incident is awful and I know people are very worried about more issues and troubles with gangs.

“We cannot go back to the problems and incidents of the past and I hope we will not be seeing lots more issues this summer.

“We have seen so many dispersal orders in the past and these incidents are very frightening for families and residents and we shouldn’t have to put up with it.”

Back in March last year officers issued a dispersal order in Old Leigh following incidents of antisocial behaviour and also Covid breaches.

It was brought in after a large group of people were seen gathered along the seafront in the old town in the afternoon of March 31.

Then in April, the Echo reported how anti-social teenagers from notorious gangs were slapped with an injunction to stop them interacting with each other.

The members were from the Leigh Lot - also known as Leigh Mandem and Leigh Boys – and the O Block and Gutless Gang.

The members of the Leigh Lot gang had been involved in violence with rival gangs and drug dealing, and investigated for offences including drugs, serious assaults, sexual offences and robberies.

Another Leigh resident, Bob Gardener, 41, said he also worries about more incidents like this and the impact on the community.

He added: “I think this latest incident is awful and I know people are very worried about more issues and troubles with gangs.

“We cannot go back to the problems and incidents of the past and I hope we will not be seeing lots more issues this summer.

“We have seen so many dispersal orders in the past and these incidents are very frightening for families and residents and we shouldn’t have to put up with it.”