Four arrests as police patrol city after knife brawl

Essex Police said four people were arrested on Saturday as extra officers patrolled Southend after Tuesday's violent brawl

Four people have been arrested after police were granted extra stop and search powers in the wake of a violent brawl in a seaside city.

Officers have been on patrol in Southend since a group of youths - some brandishing machetes - fought on the seafront on Tuesday evening.

Essex Police said two people were arrested at Southend Victoria train station on Saturday on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.

Another individual was arrested on suspicion of assault after an emergency worker was kicked at Southend Central train station and a fourth person was arrested after officers saw someone discarding a knife in bushes.

Police said the operation to prevent anti-social behaviour over the weekend had been successful

Eight teenagers have been charged in connection with Tuesday's disorder, including a 16-year-old boy accused of attempted murder.

Essex Police was granted extra stop and search powers to tackle any anti-social behaviour over the weekend.

Det Ch Insp Ian Hughes said: "A large amount of planning went into Saturday's policing operation, which saw an effective and robust use of the additional policing powers that had been authorised in advance.

"The success of the operation led to a family-style atmosphere along the seafront and High Street areas, which is what we want Southend to be known for."