Seven teenagers charged after Southend disorder

Police have been granted extra stop and search powers after receiving intelligence about an "unauthorised event which may lead to disorder" on Saturday

Seven teenagers have been charged after violent disorder erupted on a city seafront.

The teens, aged between 14 and 18, are charged with offences including attempted murder, violent disorder, wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon, all relating to violence in Southend-on-Sea on Tuesday.

Police seized several weapons on Tuesday, including a firearm, officers said.

Officers have been granted extra stop and search powers after receiving intelligence about an "unauthorised event which may lead to disorder" on Saturday.

There will continue to be an increased police presence in the city, police said.

Eight people were arrested in connection with the disorder and seven have been charged.

Police said the eighth person, a 16-year-old boy from Basilson, is currently in hospital.

• A 16 year-old boy from Canning Town, east London 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.

• A 14-year-old boy from Pitsea, Essex, has been charged with violent disorder, wounding with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon

• A 16-year-old boy from Shadwell, east London, has been charged with violent disorder, wounding with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon

• Mekai Brown, 18, of Higham Road, Woodford Green, east London, has been charged with violent disorder and wounding with intent

• Tyler Omo-Irogho, 18, of Clarendon Road, Watford, has been charged with two counts of violent disorder, wounding with intent, possession of an offensive weapon, and assaulting an emergency worker

• Michael King, 18, of Crescent Road, South Woodford, east London, is charged with violent disorder and wounding with intent

• A 17-year-old boy from Stratford, east London, has been charged with violent disorder, wounding with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon

All seven are due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.

Essex Police said a Section 60 dispersal order would remain in place in the city over the weekend

A dispersal order and a Section 60 will be in place across the seaside city for 24 hours from 14:00 BST on Saturday, Essex Police said.

It gives police the power to direct people who are causing trouble to leave an area, while a Section 60 is an extension of stop and search abilities.

"My message is clear – if you’re planning to come to Southend to cause problems, don’t bother," Supt Leigh Norris said.

"Southend is a really safe place to be and the incidents we saw on Tuesday are not common," Mr Norris added.

“However, we have information to suggest another incident - similar to that which led to the issues we saw - is planned for Saturday and we are acting now to prevent disorder."