Boy, 16, denies attempted murder at seafront

The prosecution said the fight broke out as families enjoyed the summer holiday sunshine

A teenager has denied attempted murder after a group allegedly fought on a seafront.

The 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted violent disorder and possession of a prohibited firearm, a revolver, at Basildon Crown Court on Thursday.

He was part of a group of teenagers who were charged after youths, some brandishing machetes, fought on Southend's seafront on the evening of 30 July.

A provisional trial date has been set for 20 January, and he was remanded into custody by Judge Samantha Leigh.

He also denied wounding with intent, conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm, and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Prosecutor Godfried Duah told an earlier hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court that a machete or large knife was spotted after the disorder broke out as families enjoyed the summer holiday sunshine.

A 16-year-old boy denied attempted murder at Basildon Crown Court

Eight more defendants appeared alongside the 16-year-old at Thursday's plea hearing, either in person or by video-link from custody.

A 14-year-old and a 17-year-old boy admitted violent disorder and possession of a machete in a public place. Both denied conspiracy to cause GBH and wounding with intent.

Mekai Brown, 18, of South Woodford, east London, admitted violent disorder. He denied conspiracy to cause GBH and wounding with intent.

Tyler Omo-Irogho, 18, of Watford, Hertfordshire, admitted assaulting a police constable.

He denied two counts of violent disorder, conspiracy to cause GBH, wounding with intent and possession of a machete in a public place.

Michael King, 18, of South Woodford, east London, admitted violent disorder and conspiracy to cause GBH. He denied wounding with intent.

A 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy denied violent disorder, conspiracy to cause GBH, wounding with intent and possession of a machete in a public place.

A 17-year-old boy admitted possession of a bladed article in a public place.

The judge remanded all of them until the provisional trial date.