Essex Police are on high alert and deploying enhanced stop and search powers after plans emerged for young people to gather in Southend-on-Sea and cause trouble. Screenshots circulating online, which MyLondon has seen but will not publish, are calling for a 'shank fest' – street slang encouraging attendees to bring knives.
Enhanced Policing Powers in Place
Extra powers include Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, which allows officers to stop and search individuals without suspicion in a specific radius to prevent serious violence, including the carrying of weapons. Additionally, Section 60AA powers may be used to require the removal of face coverings if they are being used to conceal identity.
Police Statement
An Essex Police spokesperson said: 'We are aware of plans for significant numbers of young people to travel to Southend seafront today. We want to be clear: Southend is a safe and welcoming place. It is not a place for violence, disorder or anti-social behaviour. Anyone coming here intending to commit crime will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.'
'A range of policing powers will be in place in the city today, including dispersal orders and enhanced stop and search. This includes Section 60 powers, which allow officers to stop and search individuals without suspicion in designated areas to prevent serious violence and the carrying of weapons. In addition, Section 60AA powers may be used to require the removal of face coverings where they are being worn to conceal identity. These powers will be used proactively to keep people safe.'
'You will see a significant and highly visible policing presence across the city, supported by live facial recognition technology, to identify those wanted for offences or who pose a risk to public safety.'
'We are working closely with British Transport Police, Southend City Council, community safety teams and CCTV operators to monitor activity, share intelligence and respond quickly to any emerging issues.'
'We expect the vast majority of people to enjoy the seafront responsibly. However, those who do not should expect to be identified, stopped and, where appropriate, arrested.'
'It is set to be a warm and busy day. Anyone travelling into or out of the city may experience some disruption, so please allow extra time for your journeys.'
Previous Incident
This comes after a machete attack in Southend in early May last year, which led to the arrest of several London teenagers. Those convicted include:
- Hamza Dinbil, 18, of Corporation Street, Stratford, who admitted violent disorder and possession of a bladed article.
- Tyler Omo-Irogho, 18, of Clarendon Road, Watford, who pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker, violent disorder and possession of a bladed article.
- Michael King, 18, of Crescent Road, South Woodford, Redbridge, who admitted violent disorder and conspiracy to commit GBH.
- Mekai Brown, 18, of Higham Road, Woodford Green, Redbridge, who admitted violent disorder and conspiracy to commit GBH.
- Lucas Braga, 18, from Pitchford Street, Stratford, Newham, who admitted violent disorder and possession of a bladed article. He was 17 at the time of the offences.
- Isaac Bello, 18, of Prospect Road, Woodford Green, Redbridge, who admitted violent disorder and possession of a bladed article. He was 17 at the time of the offences.
- A 16-year-old boy from London (who cannot be named due to his age) admitted violent disorder, conspiracy to commit GBH, possession of a prohibited firearm and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear or violence.
- A 17-year-old boy from London (who cannot be named due to his age) admitted violent disorder and possession of a bladed article.
- A 16-year-old boy from Basildon (who cannot be named due to his age) admitted violent disorder and possession of a bladed article.
Essex Police urge anyone with information about planned disorder to contact them via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously.
