A dispersal order has been issued on Southend seafront as gangs raise concerns

Police rushed to Southend seafront after traders raised serious concerns about gangs causing anti-social behaviour.

A dispersal order is in place in Southend, covering East and West Esplanade, Marine Parade and High Street.

The order will be fulfilled between 4.30pm today and 2am on Wednesday.

It comes in response to incidents of anti-social behavior and concerns raised by traders along the coast.

Order – Also covers the high street and city center

Acting Inspector Dave Gardiner, of the Southend Policing Team, said: “We started to see groups of men arriving at the station and seafront in the mid-afternoon and received numerous calls from business owners expressing their concern.

“We will take strong action against anyone who behaves anti-socially or commits acts of violence.

“There will be a significant police presence across the city and we will be working with the council’s CCTV operators and our colleagues from British Transport Police to identify the offenders and stop them spoiling the evening for the law-abiding majority.”