A “SURREAL” mass brawl triggered a huge police response on Southend seafront as yobs were seen “punching and kicking each other”.

Eyewitnesses say “more police than they had ever seen” turned out in Marine Parade shortly before midnight on Saturday.

Four men have been arrested for a string of offences including possession of drugs and a bladed weapon.

Officers at the scene diverted traffic away from the seafront with a number of emergency service vehicles parked in the road causing delays for drivers.

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Joan Tiney, 71, owner of the Borough Hotel on the seafront, said: “There was a big problem, with lots and lots of police.

“You couldn’t count the amount of police there and they blocked traffic. It is just awful and is not what we want to happen at all.”

The men were arrested in connection with a range of offences including affray, possession of a bladed weapon and possession of drugs.

A seafront pub worker, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “It was quite surreal. It looked very serious, and I’ve seen some fights but nothing like this.

“I heard a bit of commotion and I walked out to see the fight in the street, with more police than I’ve ever seen.

“There were so many police cars that traffic couldn’t get through, and I had to divert the cars and help make it flow.

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“The traffic was at a standstill and there were police cars and officers everywhere.

“It was a big fight and the people involved were all punching, kicking each other and shouting.”

A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of affray, while 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article, possession of Class A drugs and affray.

A 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply, possession of Class A drugs, and affray.

And a 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and affray.

All four men have been released on bail until May 19.