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Weekend-long dispersal order put in place in city

George King
Essex Police Rear view of two police officers walking through a city centre with shopsEssex Police
Police officers pictured previously on patrol in Southend-on-Sea, where a dispersal order has been issued

A dispersal order has been put in place in a city centre following reports of anti-social behaviour.

Essex Police imposed the order in Southend-on-Sea at 21:30 BST on Friday over concerns about large groups of young people gathering.

It covers the seafront, High Street, Marine Parade, Warrior Square, Victoria and Royals shopping centres and Southend Victoria and Southend Central railway stations.

The order, which will run until 21:30 on Sunday, gives officers the power to direct people away from the area if they are engaged in, or likely to engage in, anti-social behaviour.

Essex Police A section of a map of Southend-on-Sea with a red border drawn around it to show which part of the city the dispersal order covers. The impacted area is highlighted yellow. Essex Police
The order covers a large part of the city centre and the seafront

Insp Emma Wells said: "Anti-social behaviour has a real impact on people's sense of safety.

"We understand the impact this type of behaviour has and we will not tolerate behaviour that causes fear, damage, or disruption in our community.

"We're here to ensure everyone can enjoy the weekend."

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