Police have seized a motorbike for anti-social riding amid an increased police presence to manage today's unofficial Southend Shakedown event.

Traditionally, Southend Shakedown is held on Easter Monday but with no official event this year an “unofficial shakedown” has been planned on social media.

As a result, there is an increased presence of community safety officers and BID rangers across the city to tackle any anti-social or illegal riding.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "The seizure is a result of the plans we’ve put in place to manage a gathering involving motorbikes which has not been officially planned.

"In response, Southend Council has made arrangements to direct anyone on a motorbike to the Eastern Esplanade car park, formerly known as the Gas Works.

"We have officers in Southend to tackle any anti-social or illegal riding and they have already seized a motorbike."

On Friday, Chief Superintendent Waheed Khan, south policing area commander, said: “We know Southend is a frequent destination for bikers and car enthusiasts; the vast majority of whom add to the atmosphere in the city. But we also know events such as these have led to antisocial behaviour in the past.

“To be blunt, we won’t tolerate that. That kind of behaviour, firstly, is likely to lead to the people doing it being arrested and, secondly, will impact on families’ enjoying their time in Southend. The city is a great destination with a friendly and lively atmosphere, and we want to keep it that way.

“So, if you are committing crime or causing harassment, alarm, or distress to people in the city, you will be dealt with in the strongest possible way.”

Ch Supt Khan added: “We will of course have an appropriate policing plan in place and so the public can expect to see officers out across the city over the course of the long weekend.

“And if you do have any concerns, please approach those officers, and speak to them. I can’t emphasis this enough; they aren’t there to dampen spirits; they are there to help you and keep the city safe this Bank Holiday weekend.”