Southend: Man charged following Chichester Road disturbance

A man has been charged as part of an on-going investigation into a disturbance in Southend in the early hours of Sunday 5 April.

Officers were called to reports of people fighting in Chichester Road at around 2am.

Leon Makumbi, 29, of Burford Way, Hitchin, is charged with GBH with intent and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He was remanded into custody and is due to appear at Southend-on Sea Magistrates’ Court on Monday 6 April.

Two other people, a man and a woman, arrested on suspicion of GBH have been released on conditional bail. Our enquiries are ongoing.

Officers have made swift arrests following an incident in Southend in the early hours of Sunday 5 April.

It is believed to be linked to an earlier disturbance which happened near South Street Bar in London Road, Westcliff, at around 1am.

Members of the public reported seeing two groups of people, some believed to be carrying knives, fighting in the area of Chichester Road at around 2am.

An armed response unit was deployed to the scene and found a man with stab wounds.

Further investigations indicated a vehicle had also been in collision with the man, who has suffered injuries described as serious and potentially life-changing.

Two suspects left the scene in a vehicle. This was quickly identified with support by Southend City Council CCTV operators and located by officers at Southend General Hospital.

A second vehicle, also believed to have been involved in the incident, was safely stopped on the M25 in Hertfordshire.

This is a fast-moving investigation and detectives, supported by neighbourhood policing officers and forensic officers, are working to piece together exactly what has happened.

Chief Superintendent Chris Bradford said:

"I understand how concerning this incident will be to the local community.
"I want to reassure you that officers have made quick arrests and we believe that those involved are known to each other.
"You will see an increased policing presence in the area and I encourage you to come and talk to us. I would also ask anyone who has information, CCTV or dashcam footage to contact us.
"This investigation is in its early stages, but this type of violent behaviour has no place in Southend and we will not tolerate it."

Three people, two men and one woman, have been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.

One man remains in hospital for treatment.

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

Please quote incident 42/51345/26.

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