A large-scale street fight erupted on Southend High Street in Essex, involving approximately 30 young individuals wielding bottles and knives, resulting in two teenagers being hospitalised with slash wounds to their faces. Essex Police have since enacted a dispersal order to maintain public safety and curb further anti-social behaviour.
Incident Details
According to an official statement from Essex Police, officers responded to reports of a violent altercation at around 7:50 pm on Friday, 1 May. The confrontation involved a significant number of youths, with weapons such as bottles and knives being used. Two teenage victims sustained knife wounds to the face and were transported to hospital for treatment. Their injuries are not considered life-threatening.
Police Response
Officers remain at the scene and are actively working to restore order. To prevent any further incidents, several legal orders have been implemented. A dispersal order under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act now covers Southend High Street, Queensway through to Hamlet Court Road, and the seafront. This empowers officers to disperse individuals to prevent harassment, alarm, distress, or crime.
Additionally, a Section 60 order under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act has been authorised, allowing police to search individuals or vehicles for offensive weapons without requiring suspicion within the designated area. A Section 60AA order also permits officers to require the removal of face coverings.
Local police patrols will continue throughout the evening to ensure public safety and deter any further disturbances.
