A 15-year-old boy has been charged following a violent altercation in Southend-on-Sea that left two teenagers with knife wounds to their faces. The incident, which involved approximately 30 young people, occurred on Friday evening along the city's High Street.
Details of the Incident
Police were called to the scene at around 7:50 PM after receiving reports of a large-scale fight. The boy, who is from north London and cannot be named for legal reasons, was subsequently charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of a class B drug. He is scheduled to appear at Basildon Magistrates' Court on June 22.
Arrests and Investigations
In a separate development, a 12-year-old girl from Southend was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and violent disorder. She has been released on bail as investigations continue. Essex Police have assured residents that officers will maintain a visible presence in the city over the bank holiday weekend.
Dispersal Order and Enhanced Policing Powers
A dispersal order, also known as a Section 35 notice, has been implemented and will remain in effect until 8 PM on Sunday. This covers a vast area including Southend High Street, Queensway, Hamlet Court Road, and the seafront. The order grants police the authority to disperse individuals to prevent harassment, alarm, distress, or crime. Additionally, a separate order allows officers to search people or vehicles for weapons without suspicion, active until 8:45 PM on Sunday.
Use of Live Facial Recognition Technology
Essex Police have confirmed that live facial recognition cameras will be deployed in Southend on Sunday. This technology, previously used in December 2024, tracks the faces of passers-by to identify potential offenders. The two teenage victims sustained non-life-threatening knife wounds to their faces and were taken to hospital on Friday evening for treatment.
