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Two people have been arrested as part of ongoing investigations into two incidents of violence in Southend.
The arrests come as part of a sustained police operation in the city to disrupt and dismantle groups of people we believe to be involved in violence.
Officers patrolling key areas of the city on Friday 11 October, spotted a person of interest who they believed was breaching a community protection notice, which was put in place to curb criminal behaviour.
Whilst watching on CCTV, officers noticed the person attempt to hide from the patrolling officers.
But officers were able to find the person and make an arrest.
An 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of four counts of breaching a community protection warning, GBH with intent after an incident in Southend on Sunday 15 September.
He is also being questioned on suspicion of assault after an incident in Southchurch Road on Sunday 6 October.
Separately, officers also attended an address in Southchurch Road and arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of assault in relation to the same incident in Southchurch Road on Sunday 6 October.
Both men remain in custody for questioning.
Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Jeffery said:
“These arrests are clearly significant steps forward in our response to a number of incidents of violence in Southend and also shows the value of the targeted work we’re carrying out in the city.
“We’re not blind to the community concerns which remain regarding these incidents but I want to continue to reassure our community that we’re working determinedly to tackle violence in all its forms.
“Indeed, this morning, Saturday 12 October, we have five people due in court on drug supply charges. Although that investigation is not linked directly with these incidents of violence, we know the supply of any illicit substances unfortunately can go hand in hand with serious violence.
“Not only are we taking action against the people we believe to have been involved in violence, but also against people who we believe likely to be involved in violence. I have no doubt the actions of officers over the last few days will have prevented other incidents of serious violence.”
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