Southend seafront skinhead 'invasion' of 80's in pictures

The town's family-friendly seafront would regularly be invaded by groups of skinheads from London on bank holiday weekends.

A group of skinheads on Southend seafront in the 1980s (Image: Newsquest)

These pictures from our archives are all from the early 80's, and show a heavy police presence in the then-town as crowds descended.

Police form a line as crowds arrive (Image: Newsquest)

Groups of teenagers would pile onto the seafront and police were out in force in an attempt to defuse tension and prevent skirmishes.

They weren’t always successful however. Southend newspapers were full of criticism for the groups who would intimidate day-trippers and holidaymakers.

Police were prepared for the regular arrivals (Image: Newsquest)

“Whenever they come people scatter and windows shatter” was the well known saying at the time.

In 1980 a skinhead from London was fined £450 for urinating in front of families on the seafront. He bemoaned the fine in court, saying it was too much and he couldn’t afford to pay.

One of the skinhead visitors with a union jack flag draped over his back (Image: Newsquest)

“Up my way people bash old ladies over the head and don’t get fined that much,” he said in court.

Astonishingly Southend Magistrates’ actually lowered the fine to £350.

Police dog handlers prepare to prevent skirmishes (Image: Newsquest)

During one "invasion" in August 1982, police arrested 21 skinheads in one day.

As well as Southend, other seaside towns were a big draw for skinheads in the 1980’s including Brighton, Paignton and the Isle of Wight.

A large crowd arrived that day (Image: Newsquest)

A police officer speaks to three skinheads on the beach (Image: Newsquest)