Operational Support Group arrest serious offenders

Over a 24-hour period this week, officers from our Operational Support Group (OSG) made ten arrests as part of their work to protect our communities and keep you safe this holiday period.

Supporting two separate investigations led by our Local Policing Teams, a 66-year-old man from Southend and a 45-year-old man from Brentwood were both arrested for failing to appear at court, both charged with assault.

Supported by officers from Kent Police, they also stopped a third man wanted for failing to appear. He was further arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply, possession of an offensive weapon, dangerous driving and failure to stop.

In connection with an investigation led by our Adult Sexual Abuse Investigation Team (ASAIT), a 26-year-old man from Suffolk was arrested on suspicion of rape.

A 28-year-old man from Rochford was also arrested on suspicion of sexual assault, two counts of assault, false imprisonment, threats to kill, malicious communications and coercive, controlling behaviour, in connection with an ongoing Domestic Abuse Investigation Team (DAIT) investigation.

Both men have been released on bail with conditions.

Responding to reports of harassment, OSG officers located and stopped a car in Westcliff within 30 minutes of the original call.

All four occupants, an 18-year-old woman, a 19-year-old man, a 20-year-old man and a 29-year-old man, all from Southend, were arrested on suspicion of affray.

They have been released on bail.

A tenth person, a 31-year-old man from Witham, was also arrested on suspicion of malicious communications and stalking.

Chief Inspector Darren Deex, Head of OSG, said:

“My teams are continuing to work hard throughout the holiday period to support ongoing investigations across the force.

“We’re particularly focussing on suspects believed to have caused serious harm to residents and visitors to our county, and those involved or linked to violent offences.

“No matter what time of day or day of the week, we will be ready and waiting to keep you safe and arrest those intent on committing crime.”