FOUR people have been arrested and additional stop and search powers are in place over reports of people carrying weapons in Chalkwell and Leigh.

The Section 60 powers have been granted to officers in Chalkwell to keep prople safe in response to a number of incidents of disorder which have been reported to Essex Police.

The incidents include reports of people carrying offensive weapons.

Four people have been arrested.

An earlier police announcement about a dispersal zone appears to have been deleted from Essex Police's social media. 

An extension of the stop and search powers officers already have has been authorised under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

This means police will not need to have reasonable grounds to carry out a stop and search of people in the area.

The order, shown in the map, covers the Chalkwell area bordered by Grand Parade, First Avenue, Kings Road, A13, Leigh Road and Woodfield Park Drive.

Echo: Section 60 powers: the area covered by additional stop and search powers In LeighSection 60 powers: the area covered by additional stop and search powers In Leigh

It is in place until 9am today.

Insp Amber Chimes said: “The Section 60 has been put in place to ensure the safety of everyone in the area this evening by minimising the opportunity for crime and antisocial behaviour to be committed.

“That's is why we’re using the tools available to us to tackle those coming to Chalkwell believing they can engage in crime and antisocial behaviour.”