Boy faces attempted murder charge after city violence

The police presence was increased in Southend on Tuesday, after scenes of violent disorder

A 16-year-old boy has appeared in court charged with attempted murder after a violent brawl broke out in a seaside city.

He was one of a group of teenagers who were charged and faced court on Saturday after youths, some brandishing machetes, fought on the seafront on Tuesday evening.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, spoke only to confirm his personal details at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court in Essex.

He has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to cause serious injury, possession of a prohibited weapon in a public place and violent disorder.

Deputy senior district judge Tan Ikram ordered him into youth detention and the boy is to next appear for a preliminary hearing at Basildon Crown Court on 2 September.

Prosecutor Godfried Duah told the court a machete and a large knife were spotted after the disorder broke out in the crowded town as families enjoyed the summer holiday sunshine.

Police later seized a number of weapons including knives and a gun.

A 14-year-old boy charged with violent disorder, wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon was also ordered into youth detention.

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with wounding with intent, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and violent disorder.

A boy, 16, has been charged with violent disorder, wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with violent disorder, wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.

All of the child defendants were ordered into youth detention and their next hearings were each set for Basildon Crown Court on 2 September.

Michael King, 18, of South Woodford, east London, spoke only to confirm his personal details when he appeared in the dock charged with violent disorder and grievous bodily harm with intent.

Mekai Brown, 18, of South Woodford, east London, was charged with violent disorder and wounding with intent.

Tyler Omo-Irogho, 18, of Watford, Hertfordshire, appeared charged with two counts of violent disorder, wounding with intent, possession of an offensive weapon, and assaulting an emergency worker.

All of the 18-year-olds were remanded in custody and were also ordered to next appear for a preliminary hearing at Basildon Crown Court on 2 September.