Southend: Facial recognition tech identifies two from watchlist as knife is seized

Our live facial recognition vans were out across Southend for almost 12 hours on Thursday 19 September, and led to two people being positively identified from our watchlist and one knife being seized.

They’ll be out and about at various locations across the city again on Friday 20 September and throughout the weekend.

The tech is just one element of how we police Southend, with an increased number of officers also on duty to respond to any incidents or simply to be on hand to help families if they need us.

Chief Inspector David Browning, Southend district commander, said:

“We’re not blind to the concerns of people in Southend in light of the footage of an incident which was circulated widely on social media from the early hours of last Sunday morning.
“I want to reiterate that this is in no way reflective of the people of Southend – these are the actions of a criminal few, of people who are largely known to each other.
“But I also know the fact that an incident such as this has taken place in a public place, with innocent people witnessing it, will concern people.
“I know there are people who say they don’t want to go into Southend, parents who don’t want their children to be out in Southend – as a dad myself, I understand those concerns, but I want to give all our residents – adults and children – my reassurance that I know we are doing everything we possibly can to ensure everyone’s safety in Southend every single day.
“When there are serious incidents, we respond to them – but I also know that visibility is a very important element of people feeling safe and secure so you’ll see officers across the city this weekend. But there will also be officers on our streets who you won’t even know are there.”

Ch Insp Browning added:

“Knife crime in Southend has fallen in the last year, but we recognise that may not be the public’s perception – and we’re working hard to change that.
“That fall is the result of almost 90 gang- and drug-related arrests in the city, more than 60% of whom have been charged. It’s the result of almost 20 drug lines being disrupted and dismantled. In short, the work of officers in Southend is making a difference – but we know there is more to do and we will always look to improve.
“We’re your police force. We work to protect you each and every day. We work to catch people who have committed crime, whether that’s in our shops, on our roads, in your home or in our city centre.
“I would urge anyone who witnesses any incident or any suspicious behaviour to please report it to us. We will always act – you may not see that action openly and immediately but I promise your information is being acted upon.
“Southend is a great place to bring your family. Its hospitality offer is friendly, its attractions are appealing. I want to assure you we’re doing everything we possibly can so that everyone who comes to our city can enjoy it safely.”

The investigation into the incident in the early hours of last Sunday morning is continuing, with specialist teams from across the force following some very targeted lines of inquiry.

A total of four people have so far been arrested.

A 32-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of affray, remains on bail whilst our enquiries continue.

Two men, aged 19 and 24, and a 17-year-old boy, all from Southend, were questioned on suspicion of GBH.

The 24-year-old and 17-year-old have since been released on bail, with stringent monitoring conditions attached, while our work continues.

The 19-year-old will face no further action in relation to this matter.

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