POLICE resources across south Essex were stretched yesterday (Tuesday, 30 July) as officers dealt with gangs of youths arriving and fighting in Southend.

Video footage on social media captured a number of incidents, including youths fighting on the seafront with machetes.

As well as countering the trouble in Southend, where a dispersal order was issued yesterday afternoon, officers from British Transport Police were deployed on trains to and from the coast through Thurrock and Basildon.

It was repoprted many of the youths arrived and departed the resort for what appears to be a pre-arranged clash.

Earlier in the day police had issued this warning on social media: "Southend is a great place to enjoy the warm weather but if you come to the city to cause trouble, we will take the strongest possible action against you.

"We work closely with Southend-on-Sea City Council's community safety officers and CCTV team, and the seafront security teams to apprehend anyone who doesn't behave.

"Trainlines into the city are monitored by British Transport Police and we will turn people away at the stations if necessary.

"Southend is a family-friendly resort and you can expect to see our officers out on patrol across the city."

After shocking scenes unfolded, police issued a further message last night, rounding up the day's incidents.

It read: "Officers have dispersed members of the public from the Southend seafront and High Street, with additional patrols continuing their work in the city overnight. 

"We are now continuing our investigations into the incidents of disorder in the city this evening, with several lines of enquiry to identify further suspects in addition to the six people arrested.

"The Section 60 dispersal order, which gives officers the power to stop and search individuals for offensive weapons, remains in place until 8pm Wednesday, 31 July.

"While our work is ongoing there will be a large and visible police presence across the city centre, and further disorder will not be tolerated.

"Officers have made six arrests and seized weapons after a Section 60 dispersal order, which gives officers' authority to exercise powers of stop and search, was enforced on the Southend seafront.

"Section 60 powers allow a constable in uniform to stop and search any pedestrian or anything carried by them, any vehicle, its driver and passengers, for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments."

Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin said: "We have a zero-tolerance approach to violence, disorder and carrying weapons in Essex.

"We have a large number of officers in the city centre, who have already seized a number of weapons and made quick arrests following these incidents.

 "Our officers are working closely with our local partners and businesses to make sure they are safe and supported. We want to make sure our communities are safe and we will use all the appropriate powers at our disposal to do so.

The dispersal zone.

"Our officers have responded to these incidents reported by members of the public this evening, and the information they provided is invaluable.

"I would also like to thank the vast law-abiding majority of the public for their co-operation today.

"But we know there are other witnesses to these incidents who may have important details to share.

"We will have a visible presence in Southend tomorrow – if you know something, please speak to one of our officers or contact us to help."

"If you have any information or dashcam footage of disorder in the city centre at about 7pm, please contact us quoting incident number 1094 of Tuesday 30 July.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."