Eighth teenager charged over Southend seafront violence

Police have put extra officers in Southend since the disorder on Tuesday, 30 July. Credit: Essex Police
Extra police patrols have been put on in Southend since Tuesday's disorder. Credit: Essex Police

An eighth teenager has been charged following violence and disorder on Southend seafront.

Officers were called to reports of people with weapons during a mass brawl on the seafront on Tuesday evening, Essex Police said.

Having been discharged from hospital, a 16-year-old from Basildon appeared in court on Saturday charged with a number of offences, including attempted murder, alongside seven other teenagers, all aged between 14 and 18.

None of the eight teenagers are from Southend.

Those charged are:

  • A 16-year-old boy from Basildon who 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 16 year-old boy from Canning Town who 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 who has been charged with violent disorder, wounding with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon.

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

  • Mekai Brown, 18, of Higham Road, Woodford Road, who has been charged with violent disorder and wounding with intent.

  • Tyler Omo-Irogho, 18, of Clarendon Road, Watford, who 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, who has been charged with violent disorder and wounding with intent.

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

A further dispersal order and Section 60 authority has been put in place to run until Sunday - allowing police to stop and search members of the public and move people on.

Supt Leigh Norris from Essex Police, said: “I want people to come to Southend and enjoy our wonderful city in the sunshine.

“If you’re coming to walk on the beach, stroll down the pier, dance in the fountains or have an ice cream in the sun, you are more than welcome.

“Southend is a really safe place to be and the incidents we saw on Tuesday are not common.

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

“My message is clear – if you’re planning to come to Southend to cause problems, don’t bother.

“We will have officers waiting to meet you at our railway stations and ensure you can’t come into our city.

“There will be a very visible police presence, as there has been this week, and we will be utilising tools like the knife arch and OpenGate weapon detection system.”

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