Southend: Three in court as part of York Road assaults investigation

As part of our robust response to two serious assaults in Southend in the early hours of Saturday morning, three more people have now been charged.

We believe two victims were assaulted in the vicinity of York Road at around 5.20am on 18 April, with the first victim found in Cromer Road at about 5.25am and the second in Tyrell Drive at about 5.30am.

Both victims were taken to hospital with serious injuries. Those men, aged 52 and 33 from Southend, have also been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder. The 33-year-old has been bailed until 16 July and the second man remains in hospital.

As part of our fast-moving investigation three people were arrested on Wednesday 22 April.

They have now been charged with the following offences and appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 23 April.

Wayne Reed, 48, of no fixed address in the Southend area, is charged with violent disorder, two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Michael Shannon, 46, of no fixed abode in the Chelmsford area, is charged with violent disorder and one count of grievous bodily harm with intent.

Jessica Gill, 45, of no fixed address in the Southend area is charged with violent disorder, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and grievous bodily harm with intent.

They were all remanded into custody until 23 May.

Detective Inspector Steve Franklin, part of the team leading the investigation said:

"This is a fast moving investigation which has seen detectives charge four people in just a few days with further enquiries ongoing.
"I understand the local community will be concerned by these serious incidents.
Violent crime has no place in Southend and Essex Police will not tolerate it.
"We are committed to bringing those responsible to justice and will continue to utilise all appropriate policing resources as part of a robust and thorough investigation, working closely with our partner agencies.
"I would also remind anyone considering acts of violence that Essex Police will respond swiftly and robustly, using all available powers to identify offenders and bring them before the courts.
"Officers will continue visible patrols in the area and I would encourage anyone with information or concerns to speak to them or contact police."

Please contact us quoting incident 201 of Saturday 18 April.

Do you have any information?

Stefan Evans, 37, of Baxter Avenue, Southend, appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Monday 20 April charged with violent disorder. He is due to appear at Basildon Crown Court on Monday 18 May.

As part of our ongoing enquiries a 47-year-old man from Southend was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and disorderly conduct. He has been released on conditional bail until 2 June.