A number of orders were put in place across south Essex last night to keep members of the public safe throughout Halloween evening.

Dispersal orders were authorised on Canvey and in Benfleet, Southend and Rayleigh.

Dispersal orders gives officers the power to direct anyone suspected of being responsible for anti-social behaviour to leave the area.

A section 60 order was also put in place in Basildon following concerns about violence and disorder after police received information indicating there may be disorder involving two groups of people from Laindon and Pitsea.

This order, under subsection ‘section 60 AA’ of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, specifically refers to the removal disguises and face coverings, was in place from 6pm last night until 7am this morning.

In total, officers carried out 65 stop searches.

One person was arrested on suspicion of robbery in Pitsea, one person was arrested for possession of an offensive weapon and for possession of drugs.

During the searches, four balaclavas were seized, and officers were also able to garner several useful pieces of intelligence.

In Rayleigh, thankfully no issues were reported once the dispersal order was authorised and there were no occasions which required a stop and search.

Across Canvey and Benfleet, five stop searches were carried out, with three directions to leave issued.

Three young people found with fireworks were also taken home to their parents.

Results of the dispersal order in Southend are still being collated.

Assistant chief constable Rachel Nolan said: “Halloween is traditionally a busy evening for policing and last night was, unfortunately, no different.

“Thankfully, as a result of officers working quickly to respond to threats across the county, we had appropriate plans in place to respond to any incidents.

“We use these orders rarely – and only when they are justified and proportionate – but the overriding reason for their use is to keep our communities safe and last night is an excellent example of teams working together in order to deter, and stop, people from committing antisocial behaviour or indeed acts of violence.”