Suspects further arrested after Southend brawl

Essex Police said eight suspects had been arrested for violent disorder

Eight boys and men arrested in connection with a violent brawl in Southend have been further arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, police have confirmed.

Essex Police said all eight were originally arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of offences including the possession of offensive weapons.

It followed an outbreak of violence on the city's seafront and High Street, resulting in a Section 60 dispersal order that was put in place for more than 24 hours.

Det Insp Alison Hooper, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are working through volumes of footage to understand what has happened and individuals' roles in the disorder, alongside speaking to a number of witnesses."

On Thursday evening, police said they had been granted more time to question the eight people.

A further dispersal order has been put in place for 24 hours from 17:00 BST on Thursday following the receipt of information about a possible event at the seafront, similar to Tuesday's which led to the disorder, police said.

It covers an area including Marine Parade, Pier Hill, High Street, Western Esplanade and Southend Central and Southend Victoria railway stations.

The investigation into what happened on Tuesday is now being carried out by the force's serious crime directorate.

A phone line has been set up specifically for information relating to the case.

The unrest in Southend on Tuesday led to eight arrests, with the boys and men further arrested on Thursday

Ch Supt Leighton Hammett said people visiting the city would now see "an even larger visible presence" throughout the rest of the week.

He said the force was aware of a further planned event.

"We will be ready for that and will use the tools available to us to prevent any disorder," he said.

"My message is clear – if you’re coming here to create disorder or commit crime, don’t bother.

"If you’re planning to bring weapons, drugs, or carry out violence you’ll be met by officers and dealt with."

The dedicated police number for information or dash cam footage is 0800 096 0095.

The dispersal order gives police the power to direct people to leave the area or face arrest if suspected of causing anti-social behaviour or disorder