Southend: Two teens sought in connection with disorder

August 30

Can you help us identify these two teenagers in connection with an incident of violent disorder in Southend?

We believe they travelled together to Southend by train on July 30 and were both believed to be in Marine Parade.

The first of these teenagers wore a dark-coloured beanie hat, a dark-coloured jacket, and dark-coloured trainers with a white logo.

He had a cable, either a phone charger or headphones, hanging from his clothing and a face mask around his neck.

The second teenager wore a black and grey tracksuit, and black trainers with a light-coloured logo on.

He wore a dark-coloured balaclava that may have been rolled up like a beanie hat.

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe said:

“We need the public’s help to identify these two boys.
“Our investigation into the disorder in Southend last month has seen nine people arrested and charged already, and we believe these two individuals can help with our investigation.
“Despite the hot weather, both were wearing long-sleeved tops and headwear, so may have stood out.
“Look at the photos as they leave the train station – if you know them, or recognise them from 30 July, please get in touch with us.”

We now have a Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) for anyone with information to send to our investigators directly.

Click here to access the MIPP and make a report.

A ninth teenager has been charged in connection with an incident of disorder in Southend last month.

Eight people remain remanded in custody following to appear at Basildon Crown Court on 2 September following the incident on 30 July.

Officers responded quickly and robustly following reports of people with weapons, making arrests within minutes.

A ninth person – a 17 year-old from Woodford Green – was arrested yesterday morning (Tuesday 20 August) and has now been charged with GBH with intent, possession of a bladed article, and violent disorder.

He is due to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court this morning (Wednesday 21 August).

Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett said:

“On July 30 officers responded quickly and robustly following reports of people with weapons, making arrests within minutes.

“Eight people were arrested and charged at the time but the investigation into this incident has not stopped there.

“We continue to work to identify, locate, and arrest anyone involved in those incidents and will pursue them relentlessly.”

Chief Supt Hammett added:

“I want to re-iterate that this was an isolated incident and Southend is a really safe place to live, work and visit.

“We’re getting prepared to welcome thousands of you to enjoy our beautiful seafront, world famous pier, and fantastic attractions this Bank Holiday weekend.

“We’ll have officers visible across the city as well as deploying Live Facial Recognition technology.

“So please come here and enjoy yourself and we’ll ensure you can do that safely.

“If anyone is thinking of coming here to commit crime, be in no doubt that you will be dealt with.”

Monday 5 August 3.40pm:

The organiser of a community event held in Southend over the weekend has praised officers for helping attendees feel “safe, secure and confident”.

The Sierra Leone Family Fun Day has been held in the city for seven years, with members of the Sierra Leone community travelling from across the UK to enjoy a day at the seaside.

Ahead of this year’s event, on Saturday 3 August, concerned organisers engaged with us after an incident of serious disorder in Southend last week.

Eight people have been charged in connection with this incident, after reports of people with weapons on the seafront on Tuesday 30 July.

Officers remained in close contact with the organisers of the Sierra Leone community event to ensure they felt safe.

'We felt well supported'

One of the organisers, Michael Mansaray, said:

“Ours was a cultural event, which was held on the seafront and which we have held for the past seven years.
“Families gather, we play music, we do some sightseeing, we enjoy what Southend has to offer.
“It was an absolutely unbelievable day, it went very well.
“Some of those attending and involved were understandably terrified ahead of the event because of what happened on Tuesday.
“We were receiving a lot of calls about whether the event should still go ahead, but we saw no reason to not proceed.
“We have a wonderful relationship with the council, we’ve had no issues in the past and there is no connection between our event and the disorder we saw in Southend last week.
“We’re not troublemakers, this was a family-focused event held in a place we love and where we are welcomed.
“We have a very good relationship with Essex Police and we felt very well supported and informed.
“We received quite a few phone calls from the Inspector, Jane Childs, and the engagement from the police made us feel safe, secure and confident in going ahead.”

Inspector Jane Childs, of Southend Community Policing Team, said:

“We are very keen to repeat the important fact that Southend remains open for business for all of those who want to visit and enjoy all that our wonderful city has to offer.
“There was no reason to keep this important community event from going ahead. The actions of those committed to causing disorder should not ruin things for the law-abiding community.
“Southend is a welcoming place for people of all cultures and backgrounds, and welcomes tourists and visitors from across the country.
“This event has long been held at the seafront and my officers really enjoyed engaging with visitors on the day, answering concerns and ensuring the event went ahead without issue.”

Our officers continue to work alongside Southend-on-Sea City Council, the British Transport Police, the c2c railway and seafront businesses as part of Operation Union to help residents and visitors enjoy the sunshine in one of the region’s tourist hotspots.

People can expect to see officers out on patrol in the busiest areas of Southend seafront and Old Leigh to provide a visible deterrent to anyone who misbehaves and diffuse any potential flashpoints.

They are supported by British Transport Police - who monitor activity along the train lines into the city - the council’s community safety officers and CCTV team, and the local private security teams employed by the pubs and leisure attractions.

Our officers continue to carry out high visibility patrols in Southend, to keep you safe.

This weekend, they were granted extra powers to stop and search to tackle any antisocial behaviour or disorder in the city.

As a direct result of those extra powers, a dispersal order and Section 60 authority, officers made four arrests on Saturday 3 August.

Two arrests for possession of an offensive weapon were made at Southend Victoria train station, under the Section 60 powers.

One arrest was made for assault and an assault on an emergency worker who was kicked to the leg at Southend Central train station.

A fourth arrest was made after officers witnessed a male discard an item in bushes before running off. Officers located and seized a knife. Shortly afterwards, the male was stopped and arrested by Op Union officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Hughes, who led our response, said:
A large amount of planning went into yesterday’s policing operation which saw an effective and robust use of the additional policing powers that had been authorised in advance.
It assisted officers to ensure that those who came to Southend to commit crime would be identified, searched and arrested.
The success of the operation led to a family-style atmosphere along the seafront and High Street areas, which is what we want Southend to be known for.

We're continuing to stop and talk to the visitors who have come to the beach and high street areas, as they enjoy the beautiful, peaceful seafront and all Southend has to offer.

If you're coming to Southend, why not stop and have a chat with us.

Eight people who were charged in connection with incidents of disorder in Southend on Tuesday 30 July, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 3 August.

They were charged with a variety of offences including violent disorder, wounding with intent and possession of weapons.

All eight have now been remanded into custody to appear at Basildon Crown Court on Monday 2 September.

Superintendent Leigh Norris said:
We’re continuing to carry out high visibility patrols in Southend where we’ve been engaging with the public – traders, visitors, and residents alike.
We’d welcome the chance to stop and have a chat.
So, if you’re having a walk along the beach, having an ice-cream or walking the dog, please stop us.
It’s great to see everyone having a good time and enjoying themselves.
But, if there is anyone who isn’t going to abide by the law and try and to cause trouble, we’re here, ready to respond quickly and robustly.

A teenage boy will appear in court today after being charged in connection with incidents of disorder in Southend earlier this week.

Officers responded quickly and robustly to reports of people with weapons on the seafront on Tuesday 30 July when eight people were arrested.

Now, a 16-year-old boy from Basildon, has been charged with wounding with intent, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and violent disorder. He is the last person to be charged after he was discharged from hospital.

He will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court today, Saturday 3 August, where he will appear with those previously charged, as below.

We have additional police officers on duty over the weekend to keep residents, businesses, and visitors safe as they enjoy the warm weather.

As these charges demonstrate, we will respond robustly to disorder and violence but look forward to seeing and speaking with our law-abiding visitors and communities.

Seven people have been charged in connection with incidents of disorder in Southend this week.

Officers responded quickly and robustly to reports of people with weapons on the seafront on Tuesday evening (30 July).

Since then there has been a very visible police presence which will continue throughout the weekend with officers at railway stations, the seafront, and city centre.

We are also deploying knife arches and OpenGate weapons detection system as well as specialist units such as police dogs.

During our response to the incidents on Tuesday a number of weapons including a firearm were also seized.

Eight people were arrested and seven have now been charged. The eighth person arrested – a 16 year-old boy from Basildon – is currently in hospital.

Those charged are:

• A 16 year-old boy from Canning Town has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to cause serious injury, possession of a prohibited weapon in a public place, and violent disorder;
• A 14 year-old boy from Pitsea has been charged with violent disorder, wounding with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon;
• A 16 year-old boy from Shadwell has been charged with violent disorder, wounding with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon;
• Mekai Brown, 18, of Higham Road, Woodford Road, has been charged with violent disorder and wounding with intent;
• Tyler Omo-Irogho, 18, of Clarendon Road, Watford, has been charged with two counts of violent disorder, wounding with intent, possession of an offensive weapon, and assaulting an emergency worker;
• Michael King, 18, of Crescent Road, South Woodford, is charged with violent disorder and wounding with intent;
• A 17 year-old boy from Stratford has been charged with violent disorder, wounding with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon.

All seven are due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Saturday 3 August).

A further dispersal order and Section 60 authority will be put in place tomorrow until Sunday (4 August).

The Section 60 authority is an extension to stop and search powers meaning officers don’t require reasonable grounds to stop someone.

An additional power has also been authorised which means officers can require people to remove face coverings.

Earlier today Superintendent Leigh Norris said:

“I want people to come to Southend and enjoy our wonderful city in the sunshine.
“If you’re coming to walk on the beach, stroll down the pier, dance in the fountains or have an ice cream in the sun, you are more than welcome.
“Southend is a really safe place to be and the incidents we saw on Tuesday are not common.
“However, we have information to suggest another incident event to that which led to the issues we saw is planned for Saturday and we are acting now to prevent disorder.
“My message is clear – if you’re planning to come to Southend to cause problems, don’t bother.
“We will have officers waiting to meet you at our railway stations and ensure you can’t come into our city.
“There will be a very visible police presence, as there has been this week, and we will be utilising tools like the knife arch and OpenGate weapon detection system.”

A further dispersal order and Section 60 authority are being put in place in Southend following information about an unauthorised event which may lead to disorder.

Both orders cover the entire Southend City area, south of the A13, including railway stations and transport hubs.

A dispersal order gives officers the powers to direct people who cause or are suspected of causing crime and anti-social behaviour to leave an area or face arrest.

A Section 60 authority is an extension of stop and search powers we already use. It allows officers to stop someone without reasonable grounds and due to this we have an obligation to tell the public where it’s in place, when, and for how long.

The dispersal order is in place from 2pm tomorrow (Saturday 3 August) until 2pm on Sunday (4 August) and the Section 60 from 3pm for 24 hours.

Superintendent Leigh Norris said:

“I want people to come to Southend and enjoy our wonderful city in the sunshine.
“If you’re coming to walk on the beach, stroll down the pier, dance in the fountains or have an ice cream in the sun, you are more than welcome.
“Southend is a really safe place to be and the incidents we saw on Tuesday are not common.
“However, we have information to suggest another incident similar to that which led to the issues we saw is planned for Saturday and we are acting now to prevent disorder.
“My message is clear – if you’re planning to come to Southend to cause problems, don’t bother.
“We will have officers waiting to meet you at our railway stations and ensure you can’t come into our city.
“There will be a very visible police presence, as there has been this week, and we will be utilising tools like the knife arch and OpenGate weapon detection system.”

Supt Norris added:

“Our concerns do not relate to a pre-planned family community event being held by the Sierra Leone community. We have been aware for some time, we’ve engaged with the organisers, and they have gone through the proper process.”

Officers will continue to be out ensuring you’re safe in Southend today after a peaceful night in the city.

A dispersal order and Section 60 authority were put in place yesterday, and are currently still in place, following information about an event planned on the seafront similar to the one which led to the disorder on Tuesday.

There was a very visible police presence in the city, with officers at railway stations and patrolling the seafront but the evening passed off without issue.

An arrest was made in the city centre but it was not linked to any wider issues.

The eight men and boys arrested following the incidents on Tuesday remain in custody after officers were given more time to question them.

We continue to appeal for any information about the incidents and anyone who has any, can submit it through a specially set up portal.

Superintendent Leigh Norris said:

“You’ll continue to see a very visible police presence in Southend throughout today and across the weekend.
"Southend is safe and we want people to come here and enjoy our fantastic city.
“We had officers at railway stations ready to meet anyone intent on causing trouble but, thankfully, that did not materialise.
“Where groups did turn up they were swiftly turned around and sent back on there way.
“There is an authorised family event taking place on Saturday which we are aware of. It’s pre-planned and we’ve already engaged with the organisers and we do not have concerns about it.
“However, we are prepared for any, unrelated, issues which may arise.
“Rest assured, we will use all the tools available to us to ensure you feel safe and can enjoy our beautiful seafront.”

Supt Norris added:

“I will re-iterate my message to anyone thinking of coming here to commit crime or disorder – don’t bother.
“You will be met by officers and you will be dealt with”.

Our officers have been out and about in Southend today, ensuring everyone can enjoy the sunshine and keep safe.

Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett said:

“As we would expect on a sunny day in Southend, people have come to our popular seaside city to have a good time with family and friends.
"We have extra officers working alongside our usual patrols and our partners to keep people safe and ensure this is a great place for you to come and have a good time.
"We will not tolerate people who come to cause trouble, and anyone who does so will be robustly dealt with.
"We have a range of measures in place, some you will see and some you won’t.
"We are aware of another planned event and we are ready for that.”

Part of that preparation includes a Section 60 order, which is in place from 5pm on Thursday 1 August to 5pm Friday 2 August.

This order gives police officers the power to stop and search anyone in its area and they can search without the usual ground for suspicion that they must have for a normal stop and search, these powers will be used responsibly by the teams.

Chief Supt Hammett added:

“This is one of many tactics we are using in Southend to keep people safe. We will use all the appropriate powers at our disposal to do so.”

Our investigation into the disorder in Southend on Tuesday is progressing at pace.

Eight people were arrested in connection with numerous offences including violent disorder and possession of offensive weapons.

We have now been granted more to time to question them by the courts. These interviews will continue into tomorrow.

Detective Insp Alison Hooper, who is leading the investigation, said:

“This extension allows us to continue our enquiries into the incidents of Tuesday night.
"It is a complex investigation with a number of moving parts to work through.
"We still need anyone with information to contact us and we’ve set up a portal for people to do that."

If you have any information regarding the events on Tuesday 30 July, especially video or photographs, then please do share via our online portal

A dispersal order is being put in place for Southend seafront this afternoon following information about a potential event there.

The order, which gives officers the power to direct people suspected of causing anti-social behaviour or disorder to leave an area or face arrest, is in place from 2pm today (Thursday 1 August) until 2pm tomorrow (Friday 2 August).

It covers an area including Marine Parade, Pier Hill, High Street, Western Esplanade and Southend Central and Southend Victoria Train Stations.

It follows information about an event planned for the seafront this afternoon similar to the one on Tuesday afternoon which led to incidents of disorder and eight people arrested.

Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett said:

“We are aware of another possible event planned this afternoon.
“We will be ready for that and will use the tools available to us to prevent any disorder.
“My message is clear - if you’re coming here to create disorder or commit crime, don’t bother.
“If you’re planning to bring weapons, drugs, or carry out violence you’ll be met by officers and dealt with.”

Chief Supt Hammett added:

“If you’re in Southend today, and throughout the rest of the week, you’ll see an even larger visible presence.
“We are working with our partners to ensure if you come to Southend to enjoy our fantastic seafront you feel safe.
“If you see our officers and have any worries or concerns, please come and speak to them.”

Update: 11.30am, Thursday 1 August

Eight people arrested in connection with disorder in Southend on Tuesday have been further arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

They had been arrested on suspicion of offences including possession of offensive weapons.

A new phone line has also been set up specifically for information relating to what happened and we would encourage contact if you have witnessed people carrying weapons or were involved in any violence or disorder, including any footage that you may have taken at the time.

Our officers responded quickly and robustly to reports of people with weapons on the seafront and arrested eight men and boys aged between 14 and 18.

The investigation into what happened is now being carried out by our Serious Crime Directorate and led by Detective Inspector Alison Hooper.

DI Alison Hooper said:

“All eight arrested remain in custody and our investigation into the incidents of Tuesday night is ongoing.
"We are working through volumes of footage to understand what has happened and individual’s roles in the disorder, alongside speaking to a number of witnesses.
“We need anyone who has information about what happened, and what led up to it, to contact us and we’ve set up a special telephone line specifically for this investigation.
“The number is 0800 096 0095 so if you do have information I need to you to get in touch.”

Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett said:

“If you’re in Southend today, and throughout the rest of the week, you’ll see an even larger visible presence.
“We are working with our partners to ensure if you come to Southend to enjoy our fantastic seafront you feel safe.
“If you see our officers and have any worries or concerns, please come and speak to them.
“We are aware of another possible event planned.
“We will be ready for that and will use the tools available to us to prevent any disorder.
“My message is clear - if you’re coming here to create disorder or commit crime, don’t bother.
“If you’re planning to bring weapons, drugs, or carry out violence you’ll be met by officers and dealt with.”

There will continue to be an increased visible police presence in Southend this evening and tomorrow after officers made eight arrests while responding quickly to disorder there.

Those arrested remain in custody.

Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett said:

“We will have an even greater visible presence over the next few days.
“I know people will be worried about what happened last night but Southend is a really safe place and disorder like that is not common here.
“Violent crime has fallen here over the last year and there are 1,000 fewer incidents than the previous 12 months.
“Knife crime are down 16 percent – that works out as more than 40 fewer incidents.
“Operation Union is having a really positive impact in keeping you safe while enjoying our wonderful seafront.
“Officers have made 75 arrests so far this summer as part of it. They’ve carried out more than 230 stop searches with around 42 percent leading to illegal items being discovered.
“And we’ll continue to work with our partners to ensure you can enjoy the seafront in the sunshine.
“We work alongside Southend-on-Sea City Council, the British Transport Police, the c2c railway and seafront businesses as part of Operation Union to keep you safe.
“Our officers are supported by British Transport Police - who monitor activity along the train lines into the city - the council’s community safety officers and CCTV team, and the local private security teams employed by the pubs and leisure attractions.”

Chief Supt Hammett added:

“I want to thank the people of Southend for their support.
“We will always do all we can, and take the necessary action, to keep you safe and keep you feeling safe.
“If you have any information about what happened last night, please get in contact.”

If you have any information or footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

Please quote incident 1094 of 30 July.

You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.

Visit our website to find out more about our online reporting services.

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

Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett has given an update to media.

He said:

"Last night a group of people travelled from outside Southend into our city, intent on committing crime and disorder.
"My officers responded quickly and robustly…. making eight arrests and seizing a number of weapons.
"Two people were taken to hospital, but thankfully their injuries are no longer life-threatening or life-changing.
"They are among those who’ve been arrested and one has since been medically discharged.
"I have a team of officers dedicated to identifying all those involved last night and I need anyone who has any information to contact us.
"I know this incident will be concerning to people who live and work here, I understand your concerns.
"No-one should be made to feel unsafe while enjoying our fantastic seafront and, thanks to our work and that of our partners, incidents of this nature are not common here.
"I want to thank the officers, partners, and public who responded last night… they responded professionally and ensured people at the seafront were kept safe.
"They were faced with intimidation and possible violence but were unflinching in their response.
"Let me be clear… if you come to Southend planning to carry out disorder or violence, you will be dealt with.
"There will be a very visible police presence in and around the seafront over the coming days, and we will be working with Southend-on-Sea City Council, the British Transport Police, and rail network providers to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
"You have my commitment that we will not allow people to come here and make you feel unsafe."

Update: 9am, Wednesday 31 July

Officers have arrested eight people in total and seized seven weapons after a number of incidents of disorder and violence in Southend on Tuesday evening.

Powers allowing officers to stop and search members of the public, their possessions and their vehicles for weapons remain in place until 8pm today, Wednesday 31 July.

Two of the people detained had sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for further treatment. Their injuries were not life-threatening or life-changing.

Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett said:

“These incidents are appalling – we will not tolerate this dangerous and violent behaviour on our streets.
“We responded quickly, with officers already deployed on the sea front and arrests made to keep the public safe.
"We have multiple lines of enquiry to identify more suspects and bring them to justice.
"Early indications are groups of young men and women have travelled into Southend and the conflict has occurred within these groups. I’d like to reassure the wider public that these were targeted attacks involving just a small fraction of the visitors to Southend yesterday.
“I’d also like to thank our partners in the British Transport Police and the security teams working in Southend for their support in dispersion the crowds and ensuring the public left the area covered by our dispersal order.
“The stop and search powers in place have already taken weapons off the streets of Southend and we will not hesitate to stop anyone we suspect is carrying a weapon. If you carry a knife in Essex you will not get away with it.
“Our officers will be in the city and on the seafront again today, so please speak to one of our officers if you have any information about last night’s disorder.”

In one specific incident at about 7.40pm on Tuesday 30 July, an assault with an offensive weapon was seen by security staff and members of the public in Marine Parade, Southend.

One suspect at the scene was arrested on suspicion of possessing a bladed article and causing grievous bodily harm.

Our enquiries continue and we would appeal for any of the witnesses to this incident to speak to us and share any information or video footage they have.

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.

Update: 11.30pm, Tuesday 30 July

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.

Update: 8pm, Tuesday 30 July

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.

This order, under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, follows incidents of disorder on the seafront and High Street of Southend-on-Sea this evening, Tuesday 30 July.

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.

The order covers areas such as Marine Parade, Pier Hill, High Street, Western Esplanade and both the city’s train stations. It will remain in place from 8pm today (Tuesday 30 July) will remain for 24 hours until 8pm, Wednesday 31 July.

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.
“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 this evening and 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.

5pm, Tuesday 30 July

A dispersal order is in place on the Southend seafront in order to target anti-social behaviour in the city.

The order, which covers the same space as a Public Space Protection Order, includes areas such as Marine Parade, Pier Hill, High Street, Western Esplanade and both the city’s train stations.

The order is in place from 4.20pm today (Tuesday 30 July) will remain until 4pm, Wednesday 31 July.

It gives our officers the power to direct people suspected causing anti-social behaviour and disorder to leave the area or face arrest.

Acting Inspector Stephen Wells said:

“We will not tolerate ASB in Southend or across Essex.
“Members of the public have the right to use this public space without the fear of being harassed or distressed.
“This is a busy part of the city during school holidays and everyone is entitle to use this space respectfully of other people.
“If you’re in Southend today and tomorrow you can expect to see a visible police presence in the city centre and if you have any concerns please come and speak to us.”

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