BEEFED-UP security at Chalkwell Fair is turning away “yobs dressed head to toe in black” to protect families and revellers.

The fair has employed extra security to keep visitors safe after a group of youths, allegedly armed with knives, tried to gain access to the site last week.

Later that evening, Essex Police arrested four teenagers on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon following reports of youths with weapons and “a number of incidents of disorder” in Chalkwell Park.

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The force implemented emergency stop and search powers across Chalkwell following the arrests.

Don Drake, fair organiser, says his beefed ups security teams turned away a group of teenagers “dressed head to toe in black and wearing balaclavas”.

“There was a gang of youths that tried to get in, we barred them,” Mr Drake said of events on Thursday,

“We haven’t had any trouble inside the fair, everything has gone on outside in the park as we are keeping these types out.

“They were these yobs dressed all in black, about eight of them, and we refused to let them in.”

Mr Drake says he has employed a beefed-up security team with 10 guards to keep families and fairgoers safe.

“My security team has been doing a great job, as have Essex Police and the fair is 100 per cent safe for everyone to enjoy,” he added.

“I can personally guarantee the safety of anyone and everyone who attends the fair as we have not let in a single one of these runts who are looking to cause trouble.”

An increased police presence will be in place in the park and around the fair which ends on August 13.

Essex Police has confirmed officers are also on patrol in the fair during the day and evenings.

Inspector Amber Chimes pledged the force would continue “to tackle those coming to Chalkwell believing they can engage in crime and antisocial behaviour.”

A 14-year-old boy from Southend, a 15-year-old boy from Southend, and two 16-year-old boys from Rayleigh and Leigh, who were arrested on Thursday evening have since been released on bail.