If you plan to commit disorder, you will be arrested

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Mariner said: “Last night passed off peacefully after disinformation online failed to encourage disorder.

“I want to say thank you to our communities across the county for their response.

“Where people did gather, they do so peacefully.

“I also want to thank you for ignoring the disinformation that went around. Some of the details including around locations were just plain false.

“We continue to have a visible presence on our seafronts, on our roads, and in our towns, cities, and villages.

“And anyone trying to commit crime will be arrested.”

ACC Mariner added: “There continues to be disinformation circulating online about this issue, and many other things.

“And our ask to you is to question what you see. Who’s it from? What’s their motive? Can you trust them?

“If not, don’t listen to them.”

Like other police forces across the country, we had officers prepared for potential planned disorder this evening, Wednesday 7 August.

Our officers were focused on key areas in Southend and Chelmsford.

In Chelmsford, officers reported no public order incidents whatsoever. They remained in the area throughout the evening to reassure the community.

In Southend, a group gathered in Hamlet Court Road shortly after 7pm. Officers engaged with the group and found no offences being committed and no threat or harm being posed.

As that group grew, a number of bystanders began to watch the first group from across the road, which may have made the total number of people involved appear greater than in reality.

Shortly after 8.30pm, a second group consisting of a small number of people did arrive in the area. Officers continued to speak with both groups throughout the evening and at no stage did we assess the situation as close to escalation.

People began to leave the area shortly after 9.15pm with no arrests with a direct connection to this operation having been made.

One man was arrested in the area shortly after 5.15pm on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon after he was searched by officers. He remains in custody.

Officers will continue to be visible across Essex this evening.

“We know there was information circulating which was naturally causing concerns among our communities. We were prepared and the upshot of that preparedness was that the situation was never at risk of escalating.

“Although a number of groups were present in Hamlet Court Road, officers continued to speak with them throughout the evening – and that meant all parties were aware of what would be acceptable to us – and what wouldn’t.

“I hope the reassurance we have provided – and delivered – for our communities shows our commitment to them.

“But the policing plan in place for this was only possible because of the dedicated officers involved.

“As chief officers, we never take this for granted; officers have made alternative childcare or care arrangements to be available to work tonight, they may have had other plans with friends and family but made themselves available to work – all because of their sense of duty to the Essex public and for that I thank them.”

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Mariner said:

“There is disinformation on social media talking about activity in Essex today. Our message is clear – ignore it.
“If you’re planning on coming here intent on disorder, we will be waiting for you, and you will be arrested.
“To all the good people keep going about your business, because that’s exactly what we’re doing too.
“There is information going around on the internet highlighting specific locations around the country and some of those details of locations are just plain false, including here in Essex.
“If you turn up thinking of causing an issue, all you'll find is people getting on with their days... and our officers.
“Question everything you see online. Where has it come from? Have you met the people who are speaking out in person? If not, don't listen to them.
"We want people to come and enjoy everything our county has to offer – our beautiful beaches, our fantastic rural areas, and our bustling cities and towns.
“If you’re coming here to do that, you are very welcome.
“But if you’re planning to commit crime, you’ll be arrested and you won’t be going home”.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Mariner said:

"We know incidents elsewhere in the country over the last week have caused concern and gained a lot of attention and there is a lot of disinformation being circulated on social media.
"Don’t believe everything you see and interrogate the details posted – who’s it come from? What are their motives? Can they be trusted?
"Details about some incidents and events that we’ve seen over the last week, including locations, have simply been wrong.
"Please don’t share these because it only increases concerns and stokes division.
"We want people to come to Essex and enjoy everything we have to offer this summer.
"But our message is clear and simple – if you’re planning to come to Essex to cause trouble, don’t bother.
"We’ll be ready and waiting for you and you will be arrested.
"Our officers are part of your communities and we’re stronger together so please look after and support each other."

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