A SENIOR police officer insists the force “will learn” from the Southend seafront chaos which saw hundreds of teens turn up for a beach party. 

Youngsters descended upon Southend seafront on Tuesday evening, with visitors describing“chaos” and “scary”scenes as some teenagers arrived in balaclavas.
Essex Police issued a dispersal order to ensure the safety of the public.

Chief Supt Waheed Khan, area commander, told the Echo that despite the sheer number of teenagers there was only need for one arrest.

He believes Operation Union - designed to combat “high-harm” crime in the busiest areas of Southend - helped keep any troublemakers in check and prevent the situation from spiralling. 

Chief Supt Khan said: “Operation Union is our multi-agency approach and is all about making sure that Southend continues to be a safe place for people to visit, work, and live.

“It always means there will be at least 26 officers providing high-visibility patrols along the seafront area by default. We can then provide back up if needed.

“We were aware beforehand of the social media plans, but the nature was vague. We understood it was either Tuesday or Wednesday. So, we had a plan and a structure.

“There were officers on the ground engaging with the young people as they arrived. Most people will see officers and be reassured and those with intent will be put off by doing that.”

Chief Supt Khan says he is aware residents will question why police didn’t appear to take more hardline action. 

He added: “I know many have said  ‘Why couldn’t you be more forceful?’  but that is not the way policing works. If we have to take action we will, and we put out a dispersal order and called in extra officers to make sure that was given effect.

“Our approach was to speak to people there, engage, and encourage people to gradually move on.

“But I understand the concerns, and I have spoken with traders, the council, and MPs to help us to continue to learn.

“However, we want to send a message of public reassurance that we are committed to continue to make Southend a safe place.

“There was only need for one arrest so in a broad sense operation union has been successful and is more successful than previous years. But we will always continue to learn.”