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Two teens have knife wounds after 30-person brawl

Stephen Huntley/BBC People walking up and down the pedestrianised Southend High Street. There is a large overhead banner saying SOUTHEND on a blue, pink and yellow backgroundStephen Huntley/BBC
A city council spokesman said Southend "remains a safe and welcoming city"

Two teenagers are in hospital with face wounds and another has been arrested after a large brawl involving at least 30 people and weapons.

Essex Police were called to Southend High Street at about 19:50 BST on Friday.

Weapons, including bottles and knives, were used and two teenagers had knife wounds to the face, which the force said were not thought to be life-threatening.

Officers have been given the power to search people and vehicles for weapons and insist on the removal of face coverings. A dispersal order for large part of the city centre and seafront is also in place.

PA Media People sitting and playing on the beach in Southend in sunny weather. There are also people in the sea. PA Media
The dispersal order covers a large part of the city centre, including the seafront

A 15-year-old boy was taken into custody after being arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

The force said the orders, made using the Criminal Justice & Public Order Act and the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act, were to "keep the public safe and prevent anti-social behaviour".

The order allowing police to search people will be in force until 20:45 on Sunday.

The dispersal order covers the area of Southend High Street, Queensway and the seafront, stretching north to Southchurch Road and London Road, west to Hamlet Court Road and east to Lifstan Way.

It is in place until 20:00 on Sunday.

Extra officers will be deployed on Saturday night.

"Our message is really clear to people – Southend is open for business and enjoyment but it is closed for crime and those wishing to cause trouble," said Insp Penny McQuade.

She said "a number of others were hurt" alongside the two teenagers who had the facial injuries.

Essex Police A map of Southend-on-Sea showing a large area marked in yellow with a red border. It covers the centre of the city and a large part of the seafront between Essex Police
Essex Police have issued a map showing the dispersal order area

Simon Ford, head of community safety at Southend City Council said: "We are clear that this kind of violent and anti-social behaviour from visitors will not be tolerated, and robust enforcement action will be taken against those responsible."

There would be a "significantly increased and highly visible presence across both the city centre and seafront", he said.

"Southend remains a safe and welcoming city, and we will continue to take proactive steps with our partners to protect our communities and those visiting the city," Ford added.

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